Six killed, many injured in temple stampede in India

No fewer than six people were killed and 55 were injured in a stampede at an Indian temple in the western coastal state of Goa where hundreds of devout Hindus had assembled.

The police revealed this on Saturday, saying the incident happened on Friday night during the annual Shri Lairai Zatra festival in Shirgao village, which is popular for its events including fire-walking.

“Devotees were witnessing a religious ceremony and the frenzy caused during the rituals triggered a stampede.

“Six people lost their lives and at least eight were critically injured,” a police officer in Goa’s state capital Panjim, V.S. Chadonkar said.

Reports have it that stampedes during large Hindu religious gatherings are routinely reported in India, as huge crowds gather in tight spaces often ignoring safety protocol.

Source: Daily Post