At least six people were killed and 55 others injured in a tragic stampede during a Hindu religious festival in the coastal Indian state of Goa, police confirmed on Saturday.
The incident occurred late Friday during the annual Shree Lairai Zatra festival held at a temple in the village of Shirgao.
The festival, which attracts thousands of devotees each year, is particularly known for its unique and dramatic fire-walking rituals.
The stampede reportedly broke out due to overwhelming crowds and heightened excitement, triggering panic among attendees.
Local authorities said that eight of the injured remain in critical condition and are being treated at nearby hospitals.
Police in Panaji, Goa's capital, pointed to severe overcrowding and poor crowd control as contributing factors, which are common concerns during large religious gatherings across India.
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