Did sudden electric shock lead to stampede at Goa temple?

The authorities are still trying to ascertain what caused a stampede at a temple in Goa’s Shirgaon city on Saturday morning (May 3) that left at least six pilgrims dead and dozens injured.

The devotees were taking part in an annual procession for the Goddess Lairai Devi jatra when sudden panic spread through the crowd, causing the stampede to happen.

Elaborate security arrangements

The police had made elaborate security arrangements for the event in coordination with the temple committee. More than a thousand police personnel were present, including several senior officers.

The Goa Reserve Police Force and over 300 traffic police were deployed, along with drone surveillance.

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Late at night, devotees were gathered around a huge fire at the temple for a traditional ritual whereby they believed that the wishes they made around the fire would come true.

Sudden panic

Between 4 and 4.30 am, the crowd suddenly started moving in panic, resulting in chaotic scenes. The police rushed to the spot and began rescue operations.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said an electric shock is believed to have set off panic in the crowd of devotees. But the exact cause is yet to be confirmed.

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About 50 people were seriously injured in the stampede, and they were rushed to the Goa Medical College and North Goa District Hospital for treatment. The authorities deployed additional teams of doctors at both the hospitals.

The chief minister met the injured persons at the hospitals, and said that the government was doing everything necessary for the affected people.