NATIONAL: Goa Shirgao Jatra Stampede: Six Dead, Over 60 Injured
Tragedy at Shree Lairai Zatra
A stampede during the Shree Lairai Zatra (Shree Lairai Zatra) festival in Shirgao (Shirgao) village, Bicholim (Bicholim), Goa, on May 3, 2025, claimed six lives. Over 60 people were injured in the chaotic incident, which occurred during the annual religious event.
Details of the Deceased
The victims were identified as Surya Mayekar (Surya Mayekar), Pratibha Kalangutkar (Pratibha Kalangutkar), Yeshwant Kerkar (Yeshwant Kerkar), Sagar Nandarge (Sagar Nandarge), Aditya Kauthankar (Aditya Kauthankar), and Tanuja Kauthankar (Tanuja Kauthankar). Health Minister Vishwajit Rane (Vishwajit Rane) confirmed that two men and two women were brought dead to the hospital.
Injuries and Medical Response
Of the 60 injured, eight are in critical condition, with two requiring intubation, and have been shifted to Goa Medical College (Goa Medical College – GMC) and Asilo Hospital (Asilo Hospital). Ten others with minor injuries are under treatment, while two have been discharged.
Emergency Measures
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant (Pramod Sawant) deployed medical teams to Bicholim Primary Health Centre, North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa, and GMC in Bambolim for timely treatment. Five ambulances were dispatched to the site, with three more on standby, ensuring swift response.
State Government’s Actions
The health department is on high alert, with nodal officers from GMC and Asilo overseeing patient care, said Rane. Regular updates on the victims’ conditions will be provided as the situation is closely monitored.
Cause Under Investigation
The exact cause of the stampede remains unclear, and authorities are conducting a detailed investigation. Chief Minister Sawant has ordered a probe to determine the factors leading to the incident.
Central Government Support
Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Narendra Modi) spoke with Sawant, assuring all necessary assistance. He urged the Chief Minister to personally visit the injured and ensure proper medical care, expressing condolences for the lives lost.
Significance of Lairai Zatra
The Shree Lairai Zatra is a prominent Hindu festival in Goa, where devotees walk on burning coals as a ritual. Thousands from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka attend this vibrant annual event.