Deadly stampede at Hindu temple in Goa’s Shirgao village leaves several people dead and injured.
At least six deaths and approximately 80 injuries have been reported following a crowd crush at a temple in the western Indian state of Goa.
The incident occurred on Friday night when tens of thousands of Hindu worshippers converged on narrow lanes leading to the temple.
People had assembled at the Sree Lairai Devi temple for the annual Shri Lairai Zatra festival, which includes a firewalking ritual.
Director General of Police Alok Kumar stated that people standing on a slope near the temple fell, causing a chain reaction of people falling onto each other.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed deep sadness over the tragic event and promised support to the affected families.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane reported that around 80 people were injured, with five in critical condition.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to those who lost their loved ones and stated that the local administration is providing assistance.
The incident occurred on Friday night when tens of thousands of Hindu worshippers converged on narrow lanes leading to the temple.
People had assembled at the Sree Lairai Devi temple for the annual Shri Lairai Zatra festival, which includes a firewalking ritual.
Director General of Police Alok Kumar stated that people standing on a slope near the temple fell, causing a chain reaction of people falling onto each other.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed deep sadness over the tragic event and promised support to the affected families.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane reported that around 80 people were injured, with five in critical condition.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to those who lost their loved ones and stated that the local administration is providing assistance.
Incidents of crowd crushes are common at religious festivals across India, where large crowds often gather in confined areas.
In January, at least 30 people were killed and many more injured at the Maha Kumbh festival in Uttar Pradesh, the world’s largest religious gathering.
In July last year, 116 people, mostly women and children, died at a religious gathering in Hathras town in northern India.
Additionally, 18 people, mostly women and children, were killed in a crowd crush at a train station in New Delhi in February.
