Tragic Stampede at Lairai Devi Temple: Leaders Express Condolences
Devastating Incident at Lairai Devi Temple
New Delhi: Prominent Congress figures, including Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, expressed profound sadness over the tragic stampede that occurred during the Lairai Devi temple festivities in Shirgao village, North Goa, resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries.
The incident unfolded early Saturday morning as a large number of devotees gathered for the annual yatra, a significant religious event in the area.
Reports indicate that at least six individuals lost their lives, while over 30 others were injured due to the stampede, which was allegedly caused by a sudden influx of people on a downward slope near the temple.
Rahul Gandhi took to social media platform X to share his condolences, stating, "The news of the death of several devotees and injury to many others in a stampede during the annual pilgrimage to the Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgaon, Goa is very sad."
He further expressed, "I extend my deepest sympathies to all the bereaved families and wish for the swift recovery of the injured."
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also expressed her sorrow regarding the incident. On X, she stated, "It is extremely sad to hear about the death of several devotees and injuries to many others due to a stampede during the annual pilgrimage to the Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgaon, Goa. May God grant peace to the departed souls. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured."
The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee also conveyed their condolences to the victims' families and urged the government to provide immediate assistance. They called for improved crowd management and safety protocols to ensure the remaining days of the Lairai Zatra proceed without incident.
Manikrao Thakre, Congress's Goa in-charge, traveled from Delhi to visit the injured at the medical college and to gather more information about the incident.
In a message on X, Thakre remarked, "Saddened by the news of a stampede during the religious pilgrimage of Shri Lairai Devi in Goa. At least 7 people have died, and 30 others have been injured in this accident, as per reports."
The Lairai Yatra, an annual event, draws over 50,000 devotees to the temple in North Goa. A significant part of this centuries-old tradition involves barefoot 'dhonds' who walk over burning embers, symbolizing profound faith and spiritual resilience.
Preliminary reports suggest that overcrowding and insufficient crowd control measures may have played a role in this tragedy.
Witnesses indicated that a sudden push from the crowd on a downhill section caused individuals to stumble and fall, resulting in the stampede.
This heartbreaking event has garnered national attention, prompting both the central and state governments to reassess safety protocols at large religious gatherings.
Rescue and relief efforts are ongoing, with authorities pledging comprehensive support to the victims and their families.