PANAJI, May 3: — At least six people were killed and 30 others injured after a stampede broke out during a crowded temple festival in Shirgao village of North Goa early Saturday morning, police said.
The incident occurred around 3 a.m. at the Sree Lairai Devi temple, located approximately 40 km from the state capital. A massive crowd had gathered for the annual festival, drawing devotees from across Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
“Roughly 30,000 to 40,000 people were present,” said a police official at the site. “Some were standing on a slope near the temple when a few fell, causing others to tumble and triggering the stampede. Around 40 to 50 people fell in that confined area.”
Director General of Police Alok Kumar confirmed six fatalities and said that several injured individuals are receiving treatment at hospitals across the state.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the site hours after the incident and announced a formal inquiry. “I have asked for a detailed investigation into what happened. The report will be made public,” he told reporters at Shirgao.
Sawant also visited North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa, where several of the injured were admitted. “Precautionary measures will be put in place for all future festivals to ensure public safety,” he said.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the chief minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally called to express support and offer assistance.
State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said eight of the injured are in critical condition, with two transferred to Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim. “We have activated a full emergency response. Five ambulances were dispatched immediately, and three more are stationed at North Goa District Hospital,” Rane said.
Eight patients were admitted to the district hospital, while 10 others were treated for minor injuries. Rane said extra doctors were deployed and a dedicated ICU with ventilators was set up. “We are monitoring each case closely and ensuring all necessary arrangements are in place,” he added.
The annual festival at Sree Lairai Devi temple is a major event that sees tens of thousands of devotees gather for religious observances, often extending overnight.
