BREAKING: Six dead, over 15 injured in stampede at Lairai Devi temple in Goa’s Shirgao

At least six people lost their lives and more than 15 were injured in a tragic stampede at the Lairai Devi temple in Shrigao, Goa, on Saturday, according to news agency ANI, citing North Goa Superintendent of Police Akshat Kaushal. The incident occurred during the annual Shree Devi Lairai Jatra, a major religious festival that began on Friday and drew thousands of devotees from across the region. Despite the deployment of around 1,000 police personnel and the use of drones to monitor the crowd, the situation spiraled out of control when a sudden rush of people surged toward the temple.

Police officials said the stampede broke out when the crowd unexpectedly began pushing forward, causing panic and confusion. The situation escalated quickly, leading to several people being trampled.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the site to assess the situation, and Health Minister Vishwajit Rane later confirmed that among the deceased were two men and two women who were brought dead to the hospital. Those injured in the incident were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The Lairai Devi temple, which features a unique blend of northern and southern Indian architectural designs, is known for hosting the Shirgao Jatra every May. The festival includes a traditional fire-walking ceremony and draws large numbers of worshippers each year.

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