Six people were killed and dozens more injured in a stampede during a Hindu fire-walking ritual at a temple in India’s coastal state of Goa, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The tragedy occurred in the early hours at the Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village, where thousands had gathered to mark the Lairai Zatra — a popular annual religious festival. The event includes a fire-walking ceremony that draws large crowds from across the region.
Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed his condolences and described the incident as a “tragic stampede”. Speaking to reporters, he said, “Six people died even before they could be brought to the hospital.” He added that the state government would provide full support to the families of those who died or were injured.

State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said that around 80 people sustained injuries during the crush. “Five are in a critical condition and are currently on ventilator support, while others are being treated in a specially prepared emergency ward,” he stated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office also extended condolences to the victims’ families, offering thoughts and prayers for those affected.
The Lairai Zatra is one of Goa’s most important religious events and draws tens of thousands of devotees each year. Despite being steeped in tradition, such large gatherings are often marred by poor crowd control and insufficient safety measures.
Stampedes at religious festivals are unfortunately, not uncommon in India. Earlier this year, more than 30 people lost their lives in a similar crush during the Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj, northern India — one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
Authorities in Goa are now facing questions over the safety arrangements at the Lairai Zatra and whether more robust crowd management could have prevented the latest loss of life.