Goa Stampede: Seven Killed, Over 30 Injured
At the annual Jatra (religious procession) at the Shirgão temple in Goa on Friday, a stampede occurred, resulting in at least seven deaths and over 30 injuries. The incident happened when a sudden panic swept through the massive crowd, causing a rush for safety. According to eyewitnesses, the situation escalated after a part of the crowd lost control. Locals and volunteers at the temple rushed to pull people to safety.
Upon receiving news of the tragedy, the police and emergency services promptly arrived at the scene and launched a rescue operation. The injured were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
The stampede took place as thousands of devotees thronged the temple to witness and participate in the centuries-old ritual at the temple, where barefoot ‘dhonds’ walk across a bed of burning embers. The Shri Lairai Yatra is held in North Goa every year, attracting more than 50,000 devotees.
The stampede occurred when, at one point along the route, due to a downward slope, the crowd began moving rapidly all at once. According to reports, the injured were shifted to nearby hospitals.
North Goa Superintendent of Police Akshat Kaushal said, "Six dead and more than 15 injured in a stampede that occurred at the Lairai Devi temple in Shrigao." The stampede took place amid Shree Devi Lairai jatra, which commenced on Friday, with thousands of devotees flocking there.
Around 1,000 police personnel were deployed for the jatra as the administration is on its toes. Drones were also placed for aerial surveillance of crowd movements.
Reference : https://zeenews.india.com/india/6-killed-over-15-injured-in-stampede-at-goa-temple-2894859.html
