NEW DELHI, May 3: At least six people are dead and dozens injured after a stampede at a religious gathering in the western Indian state of Goa early Saturday, the Press Trust of India news agency reported.

The stampede broke out as thousands of devotees thronged narrow lanes leading to a temple in Shirgao village, some 40 kilometers from the state capital of Panaji, the agency quoted police as saying.

Tens of thousands of devotees from Goa and neighboring states of Maharashtra and Karnataka attended the annual Hindu festival at Sree Lairai Devi temple. The stampede was caused as people standing on a slope near the temple fell over, pushing more people to fall onto each other, Director General of Police Alok Kumar said, according to the news agency. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Thousands of devotees known as Dhonds gather annually for the Jatra held in honour of Sri Lairai Devi, where they participate in the ritual of circling a fire pit (homkhund) and walking over burning embers. The event draws lakhs of devotees and spectators eager to witness the unique tradition.

A tragic stampede occurred during the Lairai Zatra at Shirgaon early in the morning, prompting a strong response from authorities. “Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at the Lairai Zatra in Shirgaon this morning. I visited the hospital to meet the injured and have assured all possible support to the affected families. I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measure is being taken,” Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated on X. He also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reviewed the situation in detail and extended his full support during this challenging time.

Sawant visited both the Asilo district hospital in North Goa and the Bicholim primary health centre to check on the injured. Ten of those hurt in the incident are reported to be in critical condition and are receiving treatment at Goa Medical College near Panaji.

Health Minister Vishwajit Rane confirmed that additional medical staff have been deployed, and a dedicated intensive care unit has been set up to provide specialized care to those injured.

A police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the stampede occurred around 3 am. “There is a steep slope leading to the temple. A large number of devotees had gathered on this narrow path to offer prayers. While the exact cause is still unclear, it seems that one person fell on the incline, triggering the stampede,” he said.

Goa Police had earlier announced the highest-ever deployment of personnel to maintain order and ensure the smooth conduct of the annual Zatra at Shirgaon, Bicholim.

To manage traffic and ensure proper parking, a large team was deployed, including a deputy superintendent of police, 14 police inspectors, 28 sub-inspectors, 16 assistant sub-inspectors, 50 head constables, 310 constables, and 65 female constables from the North Goa police force. Additionally, three male platoons, two female platoons from the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRBn), and 50 constables from the Goa Reserve Police Force were assigned for crowd control during the Jatra, Superintendent of Police (North Goa) Akshat Kaushal had stated on Friday.

Kaushal also noted that aerial drones were being used to monitor the event from above and track crowd movements. A riot control vehicle (Vajra Van) was stationed at the venue, and plainclothes officers were deployed to monitor for any criminal or anti-social activity, such as pickpocketing or harassment. Coordination was maintained with the Devasthan’s managing committee to ensure the event's safety and order.

Authorities ordered a probe into the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was saddened by the loss of lives and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. "The local administration is assisting those affected,” Modi said on social media. Deadly stampedes are relatively common around Indian religious festivals, where large crowds often gather in small areas.

In January, at least 30 people died and many more were injured in a stampede as tens of thousands of Hindus rushed to bathe in a sacred river at India’s massive Maha Kumbh festival, the world’s largest religious gathering. In July, at least 116 people died, most of them women and children, when thousands at a religious gathering in northern India stampeded at a tent camp in Hathras town.