At least seven people died and 30 others were injured after a stampede broke out during the Shri Lairai Zatra (an annual religious procession) in the western Indian state of Goa’s Shirgao town late on Friday.
The procession was taking place in the Lairai Devi temple.
The injured people were rushed to the North Goa District Hospital for treatment.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant went to the hospital to take stock of the situation.
The cause of the stampede is still not known.
Sawant said he is monitoring the situation.
In his X handle, the Chief Minister wrote: “Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at the Lairai Zatra in Shirgaon this morning.”
He said: “I visited the hospital to meet the injured and have assured all possible support to the affected families. I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measure is being taken.”
Lairai Zatra, also known as
Shirgao Jatra, is a prominent religious procession held in Goa every year and attracts a large number of devotees.
The festival also includes a fire-walking ritual.
According to reports, the religious ritual is dedicated to the Goddess Lairai.
Rahul Gandhi reacts on X
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi mourned the loss of lives in the incident and wrote on X: “The news of the death of several devotees and injuries in a stampede during the annual pilgrimage to the Lerai Devi temple in Shirgaon, Goa is very sad.”
“I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families. Also, I hope for the speedy recovery of all the injured,” he said.
