Six killed, over 50 injured in stampede at Goa’s Lerai temple

New Delhi: Six devotees were killed and more than 50 others injured in a stampede at the Lerai temple in Goa in the early hours of Saturday, police said. The incident occurred during an annual ceremony that draws large crowds to the temple in April or May.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered an inquiry into the incident and said the findings will be made public.

“Advance arrangements will be made for future events in Goa to prevent such tragedies,” he said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to him over the phone and assured all possible assistance.

The exact cause of the stampede remains unclear. However, some reports suggest that rumours of electrocution at a shop in front of the temple triggered panic among the devotees, leading to the stampede.

Officials said the condition of at least 20 injured persons is critical. Emergency services have been deployed, and the injured are being treated at nearby hospitals.