Six dead, 80 injured in stampede at temple festival in Goa

The North News

(SHIRGAO) GOA, May 3

At least six people were killed and 30 others injured in a stampede during a religious festival at the Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village of Goa on Saturday, officials said. Thousands of devotees from Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka had gathered for the annual event when the incident occurred. The cause of the stampede is under investigation, authorities said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the tragedy. “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 soon. The local administration is assisting those affected,” Modi said in a post on social media platform X.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said he was “deeply saddened” by the stampede at the Lairai Zatra festival in Shirgao on Saturday morning that left six dead and several injured.

“I visited the hospital to meet those injured and have assured all possible support to the affected families,” Sawant said. “I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measure is being taken.”

The Chief Minister also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken with him and took detailed stock of the situation, offering full support during the crisis.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said he was “deeply saddened” by the stampede at the Lairai Zatra festival in Shirgao on Saturday morning that left six dead and several injured.

“I visited the hospital to meet those injured and have assured all possible support to the affected families,” Sawant said in a statement. “I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measure is being taken.”

The chief minister also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken with him and took detailed stock of the situation, offering full support during the crisis.