At least 6 people lost their lives and over 50 were injured in a stampede during the Lairai Devi procession at a temple in Shirgaon, Goa, early Saturday morning. The tragic incident occurred at the Sree Devi Lairai temple, located about 40 kilometres from Panaji, when panic erupted among the massive crowd of devotees, leading to a sudden and chaotic rush. Eyewitnesses described a scene of confusion as people tried to flee the tightly packed gathering. Those injured were quickly taken to nearby hospitals for medical care. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant both expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in the Shirgaon stampede. "Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected", Prime Minister Modi’s office published on X.

Chief Minister Sawant said he visited the hospital to meet the injured and promised full support to the affected families. “I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measure is being taken,” he posted on X. He also shared that “Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji spoke with me and took detailed stock of the situation, offering his full support during this difficult time.”

Officials have not yet confirmed the exact reason behind the stampede, but early reports point to overcrowding and inadequate crowd management as likely causes.

The Lairai Devi Jatra, held annually in Shirgaon village in North Goa, honours Goddess Lairai, believed to be a form of Goddess Parvati and one of seven revered sister deities in Goan traditions. The festival is primarily known for the 'Agnidivya' or fire walking ritual, where devotees, known as Dhonds, step barefoot across burning embers as a mark of devotion. Every year, thousands of worshippers from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka gather to take part in the event.

Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane described the incident as an "unfortunate stampede" and said that "immediate and comprehensive steps" have been taken to control the situation. He mentioned that they reached out to 108, the national emergency ambulance service, to send five ambulances to the location; three were sent to Asilo, and three more were kept on standby until the situation was under control.

Providing an update on X, he stated, "A total of 30 casualties have been reported. Of these, 8 critical patients, including 2 intubated cases, have been referred to GMC (Goa Medical College) for super speciality care; 4 (2 male, 2 female) were brought in dead; 8 are admitted at Asilo; 10 are receiving treatment for minor injuries; and two have been discharged." He also added that ten patients are "currently serious" and are under close observation in the casualty ward at GMC. "Additional doctors have been roped in, and a dedicated ICU with ventilators has been set up to provide consolidated care. All necessary arrangements have been made, and we are closely monitoring the condition of each patient. GMC and Health services, including 108, have also been instructed to remain on high alert," he added.