Tragedy at Lairai Zatra: 6 Dead, Over 60 Injured in Goa Stampede

Goa, Shirgao (Bicholim): A major tragedy struck the annual Shree Lairai Zatra festival in Shirgao village, Bicholim, on Saturday, as a stampede claimed six lives and left over 60 others injured, several of them critically.

The deceased have been identified as Surya Mayekar (Sakhali), Pratibha Kalangutkar (Kumbharjua), Yeshwant Kerkar (Thivim), Sagar Nandarge (Mathwada, Piligao), and Aditya and Tanuja Kauthankar (Auchit Wada, Thivim).

Eight individuals are reported to be in critical condition, with two requiring intubation, and have been shifted to Goa Medical College (GMC) in Bambolim. Others are receiving treatment at Asilo Hospital, the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa, and the Primary Health Centre in Bicholim.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed deep sorrow over the incident and confirmed that an emergency response was activated immediately. “Five ambulances were dispatched through 108 emergency services to the site. Additional ambulances were stationed at Asilo and kept on standby,” he said.

Health Minister Vishwajit Rane confirmed that the health department is on high alert. “Nodal officers have been appointed at GMC and Asilo to monitor the situation. We are providing continuous updates and overseeing every patient’s care,” he stated.

The exact cause of the stampede is still under investigation, with local authorities assessing the situation. Eyewitness accounts suggest overcrowding may have triggered panic among devotees gathered for the festival.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with CM Sawant to inquire about the situation and assured the Centre’s full support. He urged the Chief Minister to personally oversee treatment and welfare of the injured.

The annual Lairai Zatra, which draws thousands of devotees each year, is one of Goa’s most important religious events. This year’s celebrations took a tragic turn, with the festival now being marked by mourning instead of devotion.

The state government has announced that compensation and further support measures will be discussed after a detailed review. A thorough inquiry into crowd management and safety protocols has been promised.