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7 dead, many injured at stampede in Goa temple: Did electric shock lead to the tragedy?
An injured being taken to a hospital after a stampede during a temple festival, in Panaji, Goa, Saturday, May 3, 2025. At least seven persons were killed and 30 sustained injuries after a stampede broke out at the Sree Lairai Devi temple in North Goa. PTI
A festive gathering turned into a heartbreaking tragedy at Goa's Shri Lairai Devi temple in Shirgaon village on Friday, when a stampede broke out during the temple's annual jatra. The chaos left at least seven people dead and over 30 injured, with the tally expected to rise.
The stampede took place in the early hours of the morning as thousands of devotees had assembled at the temple for the popular annual celebration. Many had travelled from across Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka to take part in the ritual, which draws massive crowds each year.
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Eyewitnesses said there were chaotic scenes as people struggled to escape the dense crowd.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant both expressed their grief over the loss of lives, and Sawant visited the North Goa District Hospital to take stock of the unfolding situation.
But what exactly led to the stampede? Here's what we know so far.
What happened?
The stampede took place around 3 am at the Shri Lairai Devi temple in Bicholim, where thousands had gathered to take part in the temple's annual jatra, which began on Friday.
Held in the north Goa village of Shirgaon, the Lairai Devi jatra is a major religious event that honours Goddess Lairai, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and one of the seven sister deities in Goan folklore.
The festival is famous for its powerful rituals and massive turnout of devotees.
As midnight approaches, the devotees perform a circular stick dance, synchronised with rhythmic drum beats.
The ritual reaches its peak when a designated person lights a massive bonfire near the temple. This marks one of the most awaited moments of the celebration.
Once the flames subside in the early morning hours, comes the most intense ritual of all—'Agnidivya'—where devotees known as 'Dhonds' walk barefoot over a bed of burning embers to seek blessings.
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People walk around a bonfire during a temple festival in Panaji, Goa, Saturday, May 3, 2025. At least seven persons were killed and 30 sustained injuries after a stampede broke out at the Sree Lairai Devi temple in North Goa. PTI
But this year, something went terribly wrong.
Eyewitnesses said the crowd began to lose control at one point during the early morning rush. A sudden push near a sloped section of the route caused people to surge forward all at once, creating panic and triggering a stampede.
Initial reports suggest that the combination of a massive turnout and insufficient crowd control measures led to the deadly rush.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant later stated that a sudden electric shock may have triggered the panic among the crowd, according to NDTV. However, the exact cause is still being investigated.
People around a bonfire during a temple festival, in Panaji, Goa, Saturday, May 3, 2025. Initial reports suggest that the combination of a massive turnout and insufficient crowd control measures led to the deadly rush. PTI
Despite the scale of the event, the festival wasn't short on security. Over 1,000 police personnel were deployed for crowd management and overall safety, as reported by The Indian Express. The forces included the North Goa district police, India Reserve Battalion, and Goa Reserve Police.
Yet, even with such a large security presence, the situation slipped out of control, raising questions over crowd control and management.
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Ambulances deployed, health dept on high alert
Following the stampede, the emergency services were put on alert.
Police rushed to the scene and immediately launched rescue operations, while locals and volunteers joined efforts to pull people to safety from the chaos.
The state government initiated an emergency response immediately after the incident. Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said they have taken 'immediate and comprehensive steps' to manage the situation.
An ambulance carries injured after a stampede broke out during a temple festival, in Panaji, Goa, Saturday, May 3, 2025. Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said they have taken 'immediate and comprehensive steps' to manage the situation. PTI
He said coordination was established with 108—the national emergency ambulance service—to dispatch five ambulances to the site. Three more were positioned at Asilo Hospital, with an additional three kept on standby until the situation could be brought under control. A 24/7 helpline has also been started for medical emergencies.
In view of the unfortunate stampede at the Lairai Zatra, we have taken immediate and comprehensive steps to manage the situation. We have coordinated with 108, ensuring that five ambulances were dispatched to the site, with three stationed at Asilo and an additional three kept on… — Vishwajit Rane (@visrane) May 3, 2025
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According to NDTV, at least seven people, including a 17-year-old boy, lost their lives in the tragedy. As per The Times of India, the six victims have been identified as Surya Mayekar from Sakhali in Bicholim; Pratibha Kalangutkar of Kumbharjua; Yeshwant Kerkar from Thivim; Sagar Nandarge of Mathwada, Piligao; and Aditya Kauthankar and Tanuja Kauthankar from Auchit Wada, Thivim.
Over 30 others were seriously injured in the stampede. Among them, at least 10 are in critical condition and are currently being monitored at the Goa Medical College.
Chief Minister Sawant confirmed that medical teams have also been deployed to the Primary Health Centre in Bicholim, the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa, and Goa Medical College in Bambolim to ensure that all injured receive prompt and proper care.
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PM Modi dials Sawant, expresses grief
In the wake of the tragic stampede, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally called Goa CM Pramod Sawant to get an update on the situation and offer his condolences.
Expressing his sorrow over the loss of lives, PM Modi wrote on X, '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.'
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: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 3, 2025
CM Sawant, who visited the hospital to meet the injured victims, assured them of full support from the state government. He later shared an update on X as well.
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Goa: A stampede during the Shirgaon Temple procession in Goa resulted in 6 deaths and 30 serious injuries. Panic spread in the crowded area, and emergency services quickly responded. Preliminary reports suggest overcrowding and lack of proper arrangements as possible causes. Goa… pic.twitter.com/dPlVYlIns2 — IANS (@ians_india) May 3, 2025
'Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at the Lairai Zatra in Shirgaon this morning. I visited the hospital to meet the injured and have assured all possible support to the affected families. I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measure is being taken. Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji spoke with me and took detailed stock of the situation, offering his full support during this difficult time,' he posted.
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Goa Congress reacts
The Goa Congress also expressed its condolences to those affected by the stampede.
Goa Congress is deeply saddened by the stampede at Jatrotsav of Shree Lairai Devi,Shirgao. We condemn this tragic incident and offer heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured. @DrAnjaliTai @ViriatoFern pic.twitter.com/Ut0Db1RZzs — Goa Congress (@INCGoa) May 3, 2025
Sharing a message on X, the party said, 'Goa Congress is deeply saddened by the stampede at Jatrotsav of Shree Lairai Devi, Shirgao. We condemn this tragic incident and offer heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured.'
With input from agencies
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