A devastating stampede during the annual Shri Lairai Jatra at Shirgaon temple in Goa claimed at least six lives and left over 50 people critically injured on Friday, May 2, 2025.

The chaos erupted amidst a large religious procession, triggered by panic in the densely packed crowd, witnesses reported.

Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes as devotees, caught in the sudden rush, struggled to escape. Young participants, known as ‘dhonds,’ recounted how some tripped, leading to others falling over them in a frantic scramble.

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The lack of adequate crowd control measures and overcrowding are believed to have contributed, with initial reports pointing to a surge near the temple’s sacred ember-walking ritual.

Emergency services, including police, SDRF, and local volunteers, swiftly launched rescue operations. The injured were rushed to Goa Medical College (GMC), North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa, Bicholim PHC, and Asimov’s Hospital.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, along with Bicholim MLA Chandrakant Shetye and Mayem MLA Premendra Shet, visited hospitals to oversee treatment. Authorities fear the death toll may rise.

Goa Police and local officials are investigating, with preliminary findings suggesting inadequate crowd management.

The jatra, a major event drawing thousands for the Agnidivya ritual, has faced similar issues before. CM Sawant has ordered a probe to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies, as the state mourns the loss.

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