Goa temple stampede: A major accident took place in Shirgaon village of Goa on Friday night. During the annual ‘Sri Larai Jatra’ festival at the Shri Larai temple, 7 devotees were killed and more than 30 people were injured in a sudden stampede. The condition of four of the injured is said to be critical.
The accident occurred when a large crowd of devotees gathered in the temple premises late at night. During the puja, suddenly there was chaos due to some reason and people started fleeing each other. Many people fell and buried in the stampede. Eyewitnesses said that the situation was so scary that people were having trouble in breathing. Many people were seen trying to save their lives while handling the children and the elderly. Police and emergency services immediately reached the spot as soon as the news of the accident was received and relief work was started. The injured have been admitted to nearby government and private hospitals. The team of doctors is constantly engaged in taking care of the injured.
PM expressed grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote in X that I am saddened by the deaths due to a stampede in Shergao, Goa. Condolences to those who lose their loved ones. I wish the injured to recover soon. Local administration is assisting the affected people
Saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede in shirgao, goa. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover song. The Local Administration is Assisting that theSE Affected: PM @narendramodi
– PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 3, 2025
Why the stampede took place?
At present, the exact reason behind the stampede is not known. However, according to initial reports, there was not enough congestion control in the temple premises and the number had exceeded the estimate. Officials said that a detailed investigation of the accident has been ordered. Teams of forensic and security agencies have also reached the spot.
The Goa government, expressing condolences on the incident, has announced compensation to the families of the deceased. CM Pramod Sawant wrote that this morning I am very sad with the tragic stampede in Larai Jatra of Shirgaon. I went to the hospital to meet the injured and assured all possible help to the affected families. I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measures are being taken. Honorable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji spoke to me and took a detailed review of the situation, offered to give his full support in this difficult time.
Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at the laaiirai zatra in shirgaon this morning. I visited the hospital to meet the injured and have assured all possible support to the affected form. I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every Necessary Measure is Being…
– Dr. Pramod Sawant (@Drpramodpsawant) May 3, 2025
The Chief Minister has said that strict action will be taken against the people responsible for the accident and the system will be improved further to ensure that such incidents do not happen in future. Please tell that Shri Larai Jatra is one of the major religious events of Goa, which consists of thousands of devotees every year. But this time the festival turned into a tragic accident.