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In a heartbreaking incident that shocked the nation, a stampede at the Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgao, Goa, claimed the lives of six people and left more than 60 injured during the annual Shree Devi Lairai Jatra on Saturday morning. This tragic event has emerged as one of the most devastating public safety failures in recent memory, making headlines across the nation under the latest India news.
What Happened?
The stampede took place around 3 AM during the fire-walking ritual, a key tradition of the Lairai Jatra. Thousands of devotees had gathered at the temple premises when overcrowding turned fatal. The sudden surge of people, combined with poor crowd management, led to chaos and trampling, resulting in multiple casualties.
Who Were the Victims?
Authorities confirmed the identities of the six deceased, which include men and women from various parts of Goa:
- Surya Mayekar (Bicholim)
- Pratibha Kalangutkar (Kumbharjua)
- Yeshwant Kerkar (Thivim)
- Sagar Nandarge (Piligao)
- Aditya and Tanuja Kauthankar (Auchit Wada, Thivim)
Of the injured, at least eight remain in critical condition, currently receiving treatment at Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim and North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa.
Official Reactions: Goa and Central Government Respond
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the injured and expressed his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. He assured the public that all possible aid would be extended and announced a thorough investigation into the incident.
“I am personally monitoring the situation. A full inquiry will be conducted to find out what led to this catastrophe,” the CM stated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his grief via social media:
“Saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede in Shirgao, Goa. Condolences to the families. May the injured recover soon.”
Why It Matters: Public Safety in Mass Gatherings
As part of India news, this tragedy raises serious questions about safety measures during mass religious gatherings. The Shree Devi Lairai Jatra attracts tens of thousands of devotees every year from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. However, this year’s event has exposed glaring lapses in crowd control, emergency response, and preparedness.
Government Actions and Next Steps
Goa’s Health Minister Vishwajit Rane confirmed that multiple ambulances and medical teams were dispatched within minutes. A team from the Disaster Management Authority has been assigned to analyze the sequence of events.
Local police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the lack of crowd regulation and infrastructure.
Cultural Significance Overshadowed by Tragedy
The Lairai Jatra is a centuries-old celebration involving Dhondachi Zatra, a symbolic ritual of walking on burning coal. It symbolizes faith and devotion, making the event spiritually significant for locals.
This year, that tradition has been tragically overshadowed by chaos and loss. Locals have expressed frustration and demanded accountability from temple management and local administration.
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