PANAJI: At least six devotees lost their lives and nearly 80 others were injured in a stampede at the Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao in the early hours of Saturday.
Five of the injured are in a critical condition and have been put on ventilator support. The exact cause of the stampede is yet to be established.
“Saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede in Shirgao, Goa. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected,” the PMO tweeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and assured all possible support from the Centre.
CM, who visited the hospitals where the injured are undergoing treatment, said that a detailed inquiry has been ordered to ascertain what led to the panic and chaos. The State government has declared a three-day ban on all official functions as a mark of respect.
Union Minister of State Shripad Naik, who also visited the injured, confirmed that this was the first such incident to occur during the annual festival.
“I cannot say how it happened as of now. I pay my condolences to the people who died and wish for speedy recovery of the injured. The festival is being celebrated for many years, we have to be careful in future,” Naik said.
North Goa Collector Sneha Gitte and Superintendent of Police Akshat Kaushal rushed to the spot in the morning. Devotees at the site alleged that there had been a failure in crowd management by the authorities. No official statement has been issued so far.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane stated that 80 persons were injured, of whom 13 have been admitted to the Goa Medical College and Hospital.
“Of these, 5 are critical and on ventilator support, while the remaining are being treated in the specially created emergency ward. Our medical teams are working round-the-clock, and I am receiving regular updates from the doctors. Every aspect of the situation is being closely monitored to ensure timely and effective response,” he said.
Several opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi also expressed their condolences over the tragedy.
