Tragedy at Shirgao: Stampede at Lairai Jatra Claims Lives, Sparks Outcry Over Safety Lapses

Tragedy at Shirgao: Stampede at Lairai Jatra Claims Lives, Sparks Outcry Over Safety Lapses
Government launches inquiry; medical services on high alert, 24/7 helpline activated

Shirgao, Goa | May 3, 2025 — A tragic stampede at the revered Sree Lairai Devi Jatra in Shirgao has claimed at least six lives, left dozens injured, and sparked widespread concerns over crowd management and safety preparedness at the annual religious gathering.

According to official sources, the stampede occurred at a congested and slippery section of the temple premises when a few individuals lost balance and fell, triggering panic among the large crowd. The domino effect resulted in many devotees being trampled or injured. Goa Director General of Police Alok Kumar confirmed, “The incident occurred at a sloped area. Two to three people fell, causing others to tumble over them.”

The Health Department responded swiftly. “We have taken immediate and comprehensive steps to manage the situation,” said Health Minister Vishwajit Rane. “Five ambulances were dispatched immediately, with three stationed at Asilo and three kept on standby. Additional doctors have been roped in, and a dedicated ICU with ventilators is now functional.”

Medical Response Overview:

• Casualties reported: 30
• Referred to GMC (critical cases): 8 (including 2 intubated)
• Brought in dead: 4 (2 male, 2 female)
• Admitted at Asilo: 8
• Treated for minor injuries: 10
• Discharged: 2
• Serious cases under observation at GMC: 10

Medical infrastructure across the state, including Goa Medical College and North Goa District Hospital, has been placed on high alert. Ten advanced 108 ambulances have been deployed for rapid patient transport and emergency on-site care. The government has activated a 24/7 medical helpline — Dial 104 — for assistance and updates.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant visited the stampede site to assess the situation firsthand. “I have ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who lost their lives. We will take all necessary steps to ensure such tragedies are never repeated,” he told the press.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally called the Goa CM to take stock of the situation and expressed his sorrow over the tragic loss of life. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, have also offered their condolences. Alemao remarked, “I am deeply saddened by this incident. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. This should never have happened.”

However, several grieving relatives and eyewitnesses have raised serious concerns about the lack of preparedness at the event. “There were no rescue measures in place. Only fellow devotees stepped in to help the injured and rush them to hospitals,” said a relative of one of the injured victims.

The outcry over inadequate safety arrangements has intensified, with many demanding accountability and questioning why basic crowd control and emergency protocols were not enforced despite the massive turnout the Jatra sees every year.

The government has appointed the Medical Superintendents of GMC and Asilo as nodal officers to closely monitor the situation and provide real-time updates.

As Goa mourns this tragic loss, the demand for a thorough probe and immediate improvements in event safety standards grows louder.