Goa Temple Stampede Highlights: 6 killed, over 70 injured; North Goa Collector, Superintendent of Police transferred

Goa Temple Stampede Live Updates: Five govt officials including the North Goa collector and the superintendent of police have been transferred.

Goa Temple Stampede Live Updates: The Goa government has constituted a fact finding inquiry committee to investigate the stampede, and submit the report within 48 hours.

Goa Temple Stampede Live Updates: Goa Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai offered his condolences to the families of those affected by the Shirgao stampede. He also wished a swift recovery to those who were injured in the tragic incident.

Goa Temple Stampede Live Updates: The Lairai Devi temple president said that an electric shock might have led to the stampede. Read here.

Goa Temple Stampede Live Updates: North Goa collector, and Superintendent of Police have been transferred after the stampede at the Sree Lairai Devi temple festival

Goa Temple Stampede Live Updates: Lairai Devi temple President, advocate Dinanath Gaonkar said that approximately 50,000 to 70,000 devotees had gathered for the festival.

Goa Temple Stampede Live Updates: As many as 22 people are still in hospitals. Asilo Hospital is treating 18 patients, CHC Bicholim has 3, and CHC Sankhali has 1 under observation.

Goa Temple Stampede Live Updates: The Goa government has formed a committee of senior doctors from various departments to treat five critically injured victims at the Medical College and Hospital (GMCH)

Goa Temple Stampede Live Updates: The Goa government  announced that all functions supported by it stand cancelled for the next three days in the wake of the stampede.

Goa Temple Stampede Live Updates: " “Deeply anguished by the tragic loss of six lives at Sree Devi Lairai temple in Goa. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee posted on X.

The Lairai Devi jatra is an annual religious fair spanning six days. It is one of the popular temple festivals in Goa.

Thousands of devotees stood on the narrow lanes of the temple during the annual festival, according to PTI.

"At least 30,000 to 40,000 people had gathered for the festival, and some were standing on a slope. A few persons fell on the slope, causing others to tumble on each other," Director General of Police Alok Kumar told PTI. At least 40 to 50 people fell on the slope, he added.

The Goa government has cancelled all events for the next three days, reported PTI.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited Shirgao after a stampede occurred during the Lairai Devi jatra, resulting in six deaths and over 50 injuries. The stampede incident took place on Saturday at around 4-5 AM.

Goa Chief Minister directed the state administration to conduct an inquiry into the incident. (ANI)

Highlighting the key measures undertaken, Goa Health Minister informed on X, “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 has also been instructed to remain on high alert. MS from GMC and Asilo, have been appointed as nodal officers to monitor the situation closely. We will keep you regularly updated.”

“Sad to know about the unfortunate incident of a stampede in Shirgao, Goa which claimed several lives. I extend my condolences to bereaved family members and pray for quick recovery of the injured,” the President of India wrote on X.

While speaking about the Shirgaon stampede, Goa BJP President Damu Naik told ANI, "... Investigation is ongoing and will reveal the cause in an appropriate time. I express my condolences to those who have passed away, and I pray that those who are in the hospital recover as soon as possible."

Leader of Opposition of Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi wrote on X, “The news of the death of several devotees and injury of many others in a stampede during the annual pilgrimage to the Lerai Devi Temple in Shirgaon, Goa is very sad. I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families. Also, I hope for the speedy recovery of all the injured.”

Sharing details regarding the deceased and injured individuals, the Goa Health Minister, Vishwajit Rane, wrote on X, “A total of 30 casualties have been reported. Of these, 8 critical patients, including 2 intubated cases, have been referred to GMC 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.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident. “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," PMO wrote on X.

North Goa SP Akshat Kaushal told ANI, “We are still trying to determine the exact cause of the incident. However, we have been told that the stampede might have happened due to some people spreading rumours.”

He added, "the biggest challenge for us was to peacefully vacate more than 50,000 people who were inside the temple for the (Larai) Zatra. Around 400 police personnel were deployed here for the Zatra. This is the first time something like this has happened on this occasion."

Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant informed that PM Narendra Modi spoke to him and assured total support.

Goa CM said in a post on X, “Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at the Lairai Zatra in Shirgaon this morning. I visited the hospital to meet the injured and have assured all possible support to the affected families. I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measure is being taken. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with me and took detailed stock of the situation, offering his full support during this difficult time.”

The tragic stampede incident in Sree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village of Goa has killed six people, while several others were injured.