At least seven people were killed and over 30 were injured after a stampede took place during the annual Devi Lairai Jatra in Shirgao village in Goa in the early hours of Saturday, May 3. The stampede occurred when thousands of devotees thronged the temple to witness and participate in the centuries-old ritual at the temple, where barefoot ‘dhonds’ walk across a bed of burning embers. Preliminary reports suggest overcrowding and a lack of proper arrangements are possible causes.
Hours before the incident, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, accompanied by his wife Sulakshana, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, and MLAS Premendra Shet and Carlos Ferreira, visited the temple to seek the goddess' blessings. He is currently at the North Goa District Hospital to assess the situation and meet the injured.
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The deceased were identified as two men and two women who were brought dead to the hospital, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane told The Times of India. Eight are in critical condition and referred to the Goa Medical College (GMC) for specialised treatment. CM Sawant said that medical team have been deployed at the Primary Health Centre in Bicholim, the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa Goa Medical College in Bambolim for the treatment of the injured devotees.
The exact cause of the stampede is under investigation. Authorities are continuing to assess the situation. After receiving the information, the state government pressed the rescue team and dispatched five ambulances to the location through 108 services.
CM Pramod Sawant expressed anguish for devotees who died in the stampede tragedy. He spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and he took details of the situation. "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. Prime Minister Modi spoke with me and took detailed stock of the situation, offering his full support during this difficult time."
"Six people died in the stampede and over 50 people have been injured. After getting the information, I went to the spot. The injured are being treated in the hospital...More than 50,000 people participate in the Jatra every year. This is an unfortunate incident. PM Modi called me and enquired about the incident. He also assured to provide assistance from the Centre. We are taking care of the treatment of the injured...SP North and the Collector are conducting an investigation of the incident...We are cancelling all Govt programs for the next 3 days in the state," Goa CM said.
"6 people had died before being shifted to hospital. I went to the community health centre where the bodies of 2 have been kept. The injured are being treated well...I visited the district hospital as well, where 10 people are admitted... the rest are being treated at Goa Medical College...one person is in serious condition among them...PM Modi spoke to me regarding the incident and took stock of the situation and extended all the help from centre." CM added.
The Office of PMO also condoles the sudden deaths in Goa and said that the local administration is assisting. "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." said PM Narendra Modi.