At least six people died and 75 others were injured after a stampede broke out during a major Hindu festival in Goa, India.
The incident happened late Friday night during the annual Shri Lairai Zatra festival in Shirgao village.
The festival is famous for its fire-walking rituals, attracting hundreds of devotees each year. Police officials reported that panic erupted during a religious ceremony, leading to the stampede.
“Devotees were witnessing a religious ceremony, and the frenzy caused during the rituals triggered a stampede,” said police officer V.S. Chadonkar from Panjim, Goa’s capital.
At least eight injured individuals remain in critical condition, officials confirmed. Rescue teams arrived quickly, providing medical aid and transferring the seriously injured to hospitals.
Concerns Over Crowd Management
Large religious gatherings are common in India, often lacking strict crowd control measures. Stampedes have occurred repeatedly at festivals due to sudden surges in crowds and inadequate planning.
Authorities are now investigating how the event was managed and whether negligence played a role in the tragedy.
“We are assessing the circumstances that led to the stampede and reviewing safety protocols,” a local official stated.
The Shri Lairai Zatra festival is one of Goa’s most prominent religious celebrations, drawing pilgrims from across the region. This year’s event saw a particularly high turnout, possibly exceeding previous years.
Officials are expected to announce new safety measures to prevent future incidents at mass gatherings.
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