[Today's Prayer] At Least 61 Casualties in Stampede Accident at Goa Temple in Western India

According to reports from PTI and AP news agencies on the 3rd, a stampede accident occurred at a Hindu temple in the state of Goa, western India, as devotees flocked to the site, resulting in at least 61 deaths and injuries.

The media reported that during the Shri Lairai Jatra festival in the village of Srigao, located 40 km from Goa's capital Panaji, thousands of enthusiastic Hindu devotees rushed onto a slope near the local temple in the early hours of the day, leading to a situation where people who fell were trampled.

Police authorities stated that at least 6 people have died and 55 have been injured so far due to the stampede.

V S Chadonkar, a spokesperson for the Panaji police department, said, "The accident was triggered when devotees, caught up in the excitement while observing religious rituals, rushed out."

Spokesperson Chadonkar indicated the possibility of more casualties, saying that in addition to the deceased, about 8 people were seriously injured.

(Omitted)

Large-scale casualties frequently occur during major Hindu religious gatherings in India. Most of these incidents happen when crowds are concentrated in narrow spaces, often due to disregard for safety regulations.

Source: Newsis

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:27-28)   

I hear news of a stampede accident at a Hindu temple in India as devotees flocked to the site.

I witness the tragic event of people dying or getting injured in a chaotic situation where they were pushed and trampled upon each other.

Countless souls in India face endless accidents in the name of false religions they believe to be the truth. May they realize through the power of the cross where the salvation they seek lies and where the peace they so desperately desire can be found.

How profound is the blood of Christ, who was offered once for us! I pray that the souls in India may come to realize the true truth before the incomparable love of the cross and return.

May the souls in India, who are bound by endless pain and death chasing after falsehood, enter not into that but into eternal salvation and the eternal kingdom of God.

The situation suggests that the number of casualties may increase. Lord, extend your hand to those in need and protect those who may lose their lives without hearing the gospel. And may they become souls who believe in the true Lord.

There are countless souls in the land of India who do not know the Lord. May the global church pray together that all idols opposing God will be destroyed and that they will realize that only the Lord is perfect. In this way, may the truth of the Lord be powerfully witnessed in India, and may it rise as an Indian church that saves all nations!