A large tragedy took place on Friday during the annual pilgrimage of Larai Devi Temple in Shirgaon village in Northern district of Goa. At least 7 devotees were killed and more than 30 people were injured in a stampede among a huge crowd. Thousands of devotees were present in the temple premises at the time of the accident, who arrived to participate in the traditional rituals.
The crowd suddenly became uncontrollable.
According to information received from eyewitnesses, the crowd suddenly became uncontrollable and an atmosphere of chaos arose. People started running to save their lives. In which many people fell on each other and stampede. Many elderly and women were crushed. Some people have suffered serious injuries and have been taken to nearby hospitals.
As soon as the accident was reported, the police and rescue teams reached the spot and started the work of evacuating the injured. Northern Goa SP Akshat Kaushal said that the situation is now under control but security has been increased at the scene. The local administration and health department are fully active.
There is no official confirmation about the cause of the accident yet, but according to preliminary reports the accident is highly crowded
And was caused by insufficient security arrangements. The administration has ordered an inquiry and said that action will be taken against the culprits.
What is Larai Devi Yatra?
Larai Devi is a major religious and cultural festival celebrated every year in Shikgaon village of Bicholim taluka in Goa. Which is held in honor of Goddess Larai. Thousands of devotees participate in it. A special tradition of this festival is to walk barefoot on fire. Which is called ‘Dhonda’ by the devotees as a test of their faith.
