By Joe D. | May 3, 2025
Summary: Over 30 more were hurt in a terrible stampede at the Shri Lairai Zatra festival at the Lairai Devi temple in Goa’s Shirgao, at least seven people have perished. Large masses surged during the annual religious procession in the early hours of Saturday, causing the event. Political leaders have offered condolences and authorities are looking into the cause as medical and rescue operations go on.
Goa’s Lairai Temple Stampede Turns Deadly
At least seven devotees perished in a rush at the Shri Lairai Zatra festival at the Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao, Goa, turning a spiritual gathering into tragedy Friday night. Of the more than 30 people injured, at least 10 were said to be in serious condition.
Police say the rush happened about 3 AM when a devotee allegedly fell on a steep slope near a busy road adjacent to the shrine. The ensuing panic and crowding rapidly turned to mayhem, crushing the thousands present for the yearly religious celebration.
Victims Hurrying to Hospitals
The hurt were sent to the Bicholim Primary Health Centre, the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa, and the Goa Medical College (GMC). Several patients are still being watched and medical teams stay on high alert.
To supervise the medical reaction, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant personally visited the hospitals. In a comment on X (formerly Twitter), he remarked, “Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at the Lairai Zatra in Shirgaon this morning.” “We are doing all we can to assist the families impacted.”
Leaders Express Sympathy, Demand Investigation
On X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences: “Saddened by the loss of lives caused by a stampede at Shirgao, Goa. My sympathies go to those who lost loved ones. May the hurt recover quickly.
A formal investigation has been called to establish the cause and chronology of the tragic event.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also sent a note of condolence: “The annual trip to the Lerai Devi Temple’s stampede has resulted in the death of several devotees and injury of many others, which is very tragic. My deepest condolences go out to the injured; may they recover quickly.
Police Investigation and Witness Reports
Eyewitnesses’ early reports point to poor crowd control and the temple’s surrounding topography possibly aggravating the disaster. A senior police officer speaking anonymously said that a steep slope crammed with worshippers caused the crowd movement to become uncontrolled.
Several municipal authorities are likely to be interrogated as the investigation continues; authorities are examining crowd control policies and video evidence.
Responses from the Public and Experts
Experts in safety have underlined the pressing need of improved crowd management systems at major religious events. Public safety specialist Dr. Kavita Sharma stated, “This tragedy is another grim reminder that large festivals need strict emergency planning, especially in areas with challenging geography.”
Locals and devotees all throughout Goa have started burning candles in memory of those who perished.
Final thoughts
The tragedy of the stampede at the Lairai Devi temple reminds one, as the inquiry progresses, of the dangers large-scale religious gatherings without sufficient safety preparation create. Political leaders have demanded responsibility; hospitals still put in around-the-clock effort to treat the wounded.
