In a deeply distressing incident, six people lost their lives and over 60 were injured during a stampede at the revered Shree Lairai Zatra festival in Shirgao village, Bicholim, Goa, on Saturday. The event, known for drawing large crowds of devotees each year, turned tragic when chaos broke out amidst the festivities.
The victims have been identified as Surya Mayekar from Sakhali, Pratibha Kalangutkar from Kumbharjua, Yeshwant Kerkar and Aditya Kauthankar from Thivim, Sagar Nandarge from Mathwada, Piligao, and Tanuja Kauthankar, also from Thivim. Their sudden passing has cast a pall of sorrow over their families and the broader Goan community.
According to Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, four victims were declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Among the injured, eight are in critical condition, with two individuals on ventilator support at Goa Medical College (GMC) in Bambolim. Several others are receiving treatment at local hospitals, including Asilo Hospital in Mapusa, where medical teams are working tirelessly.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant promptly visited the hospitals and assured that the state government is doing everything possible to support the victims and their families. He confirmed that emergency response measures were activated immediately, including the dispatch of ambulances and deployment of medical staff across key locations. “We have ensured that every patient receives the necessary care, and nodal officers are monitoring the situation closely,” the chief minister stated.
The cause of the stampede remains under investigation, though officials are assessing crowd management and other contributing factors. The government has promised a thorough inquiry to prevent such a tragedy from recurring.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and spoke with CM Sawant to take stock of the situation, offering full central assistance and urging close supervision of the ongoing medical care.
The Lairai Zatra, a culturally significant festival in Goa, is a time of devotion and celebration for thousands. But this year, it has become a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile safety can be in large public gatherings. As the state mourns, questions around crowd control and emergency preparedness are being raised with urgency.
In the wake of this tragedy, the thoughts and prayers of the nation are with the families of the victims and those fighting for recovery. The incident stands as a solemn call for renewed attention to safety protocols at mass religious events, ensuring that faith and festivity never again descend into such sorrow.