Stampede at Goa Temple Kills 6, Injures Over 50; Helpline Activated
A fatal stampede during the Shri Lairai Zatra festival at a temple in North Goa has taken six lives and left over 50 injured, with five of them in critical...
A fatal stampede during the Shri Lairai Zatra festival at a temple in North Goa has taken six lives and left over 50 injured, with five of them in critical condition. The mishap took place around 4-4:30 am when thousands of pilgrims had gathered to witness the yearly fire-walking ceremony in Shirgaon village.
Eyewitnesses said there was panic near a steep path leading to the temple. Early reports say an electrical problem may have caused the chaos. “People started screaming and pushing when they saw sparks near the main gate,” said Rajesh Patil, who saw what happened.
Despite deployment of 1,000 police personnel, the massive crowd overwhelmed security arrangements. Rescue teams brought the injured to Goa Medical College, where emergency procedures were initiated.
A 24/7 helpline (1800-123-1070) has been set up by authorities for victim support and information. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said in a statement that he was “deeply saddened by the tragic stampede”. He visited the hospital and said that “all possible support” would be given to the families of those killed or injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office expressed “condolences to those who lost their loved ones”. “The local administration is assisting those affected,” Modi said on social media.
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