GOA, INDIA — A tragic stampede at the Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village, located in India’s coastal state of Goa, left six people dead and approximately 80 others injured during a popular Hindu fire-walking ritual early Saturday morning.
Thousands had gathered for the annual Lairai Zatra celebration, a major religious event in Goa that culminates in a symbolic fire-walking ceremony. However, overcrowding led to chaos and a deadly crush.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed deep sorrow over the incident, confirming that six individuals died before they could be taken to hospital. He visited the victims at the local hospital and assured that the state government would provide full support to the affected families.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane reported that five of the injured are in critical condition and currently on ventilator support. Others are receiving treatment in a specially established emergency ward.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office also released a statement conveying condolences to the bereaved families.
The Lairai Zatra tragedy adds to a growing list of deadly stampedes at religious gatherings in India. Earlier this year, over 30 people were killed in a similar incident during the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
Authorities are expected to launch an investigation into the safety measures in place at the temple event.
