Sun May 04 07:47:10 UTC 2025: ## Goa Temple Festival Stampede Kills Seven, Injures Dozens: Investigation Underway
**Panaji, Goa –** A stampede at a temple festival in North Goa’s Shirgaon village on Saturday claimed the lives of seven people and left over 80 injured. The incident occurred during the annual festival of Goddess Sree Lairai Devi, as thousands of devotees crowded narrow lanes leading to the temple.
A government-appointed fact-finding committee, headed by Revenue Commissioner and Secretary Sandeep Jacques, is investigating the tragedy. Preliminary findings suggest the stampede occurred on a slope known for past minor incidents, raising concerns about inadequate safety measures. The committee is examining whether a previous year’s similar, albeit smaller, incident at the same location was ignored. They are also exploring whether a fight between pilgrims triggered the event, as well as the impact of shops set up along the already narrow pathways leading to the temple. The committee is gathering statements from various officials, temple committee members, and survivors, aiming to complete its report within a few days. Police estimate 30,000 to 40,000 people attended the festival.
First Piper 