A religious celebration turned into a tragedy on Friday as a stampede at the Shirgaon temple in Goa claimed the lives of at least six devotees and left more than 50 others critically injured. The incident occurred during the annual jatra (procession), which draws thousands of worshippers from across the state and beyond.
According to eyewitnesses, panic broke out in the densely packed crowd during the early hours of the event. People began pushing and shoving in an attempt to flee the area, leading to a sudden stampede. “It was complete chaos. People were falling over each other. There was shouting, crying, and no way to move,” said one local who was present at the scene.
Emergency services, including medical teams and police personnel, responded swiftly. Rescue operations were launched to evacuate the injured, many of whom were taken to nearby hospitals in critical condition. Videos circulating on social media showed volunteers and officials carrying the wounded through packed streets, as sirens blared in the background.
Authorities have yet to confirm the exact trigger behind the stampede, but early reports point to overcrowding and insufficient crowd control arrangements. State officials have ordered a probe into the incident, promising accountability and improved safety measures for future events. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and assured all necessary support for the injured.
As the community reels from the shock, calls have intensified for stricter safety regulations during large-scale religious gatherings to prevent such tragedies in the future.