Fri May 09 21:07:59 UTC 2025: ## Goa Temple Stampede Kills Six, Leaves Dozens Injured

**PANJIM, GOA –** A deadly stampede at the Shree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao, Goa, during an annual pilgrimage left six dead and dozens injured in the early hours of May 3, 2025. The incident occurred as thousands of devotees gathered for a fire-walking ritual.

Among the victims was 31-year-old Sagar Shivkumar Nandadurgi, whose death has left his mother, Sonia Nandadurgi, devastated. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as devotees, many carrying canes used in the ritual, pushed and shoved, overwhelming a single, narrow access road to the temple. A dividing rope meant to separate different groups of devotees was broken, contributing to the crush.

Seventy-four people were hospitalized following the incident, with nine remaining hospitalized as of May 9th, four of whom are on ventilator support due to severe injuries, including multiple rib fractures and head trauma. The Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has implemented mental health support for families and survivors.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹10 lakh to the families of each deceased and ₹1 lakh for those seriously injured. However, some families report not yet receiving compensation.

The incident has raised concerns about safety and crowd management at the centuries-old pilgrimage. Eyewitnesses reported a lack of adequate police presence and overcrowding, exacerbated by numerous stalls lining the narrow access road. Temple authorities and the state government are at odds over responsibility, with the temple committee blaming the state for inadequate crowd control measures and permitting stalls, while the government cites the event as private and organizers as responsible.

A fact-finding committee has been formed to investigate the incident, but their initial findings, expected on May 9th, have been delayed. Despite the tragedy, the temple remains open, though the music has been turned off, and the site is still littered with debris from the stampede. The incident highlights the need for improved safety protocols and crowd management at large religious gatherings in Goa.

Read More