At least six people were killed and more than 50 were injured in a stampede at the Lairai Devi temple in Goa on Saturday, news agency ANI reported. The outlet further reported that those injured are being rushed to the hospital. Goa CM Pramod Sawant visited the hospital to take stock of the situation and has ordered a probe into the matter. He also interacted with those who were injured in the stampede. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi have offered condolences to the bereaved family members.
PM Modi has also dialled CM Sawant to review the stampede in Goa. “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,” said PMO in a statement attributed to PM Modi.
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: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 3, 2025
“Sad to know about the unfortunate incident of a stampede in Shirgao, Goa, which claimed several lives. I extend my condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for the quick recovery of the injured,” said President of India, Droupadi Murmu, in a statement.
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.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 3, 2025
CM Pramod Sawant visits hospital
According to the news agency IANS, the stampede could be due to high footfall and inadequate arrangements to manage the crowd. An official inquiry into the case is underway.
“Panic spread in the crowded area, and emergency services quickly responded. Preliminary reports suggest overcrowding and a lack of proper arrangements are possible causes. Goa CM Pramod Sawant visited the hospital to check on the injured,” news agency IANS reported.
Goa: A stampede during the Shirgaon Temple procession in Goa resulted in 7 deaths and 30 serious injuries. Panic spread in the crowded area, and emergency services quickly responded. Preliminary reports suggest overcrowding and lack of proper arrangements as possible causes. Goa… pic.twitter.com/gOPhcB0d5D
— IANS (@ians_india) May 3, 2025
Ambulances kept on standby: State Health Minister
“We dispatched five ambulances through 108 services to the site. Three were stationed at Asilo, and three more kept on standby until the situation is stabilised,” Times of India (TOI) quoted Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane as saying.
He added, “We are closely monitoring each patient’s condition. Nodal officers from GMC and Asilo have been appointed to oversee the response. Regular updates will be provided.”
“It is unfortunate what has happened. As of now, everyone is under treatment… Some sustained minor injuries, so they have already been treated and discharged. Unfortunately, six casualties have been reported,” Goa Collector Sneha Gitte said.
Earlier, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, his wife Sulakshana, MP Sadanand Shet Tanawade, and MLAs Premendra Shet and Carlos Ferreira visited the Shree Devi Lairai Jatra.
The stampede, as per multiple media reports, happened during the Jatra, which started on Friday, May 2, and brought in thousands of devotees. Around 1,000 police officers were on duty, and drones were used for aerial surveillance.