CHENNAI: In a tragic incident in Tamil Nadu, at least 11 people were electrocuted to death and several others sustained injuries during a chariot procession.
The incident took place on Wednesday 27 April during the 94th Appar Gurupoojai celebration in the Appar Swami shrine of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu.
During the morning hours on Wednesday, the people in Kellimedu village went out for the chariot festival procession which met with an accident and killed 11 persons including children.
An FIR was lodged in relation to the incident and police have been investigating the matter thoroughly to find out the cause of the incident.
Inspector-General of Police in Tiruchi Range, V Balakrishnan said that a total of 7 people succumbed to their injuries in the hospital and 3 people died on spot.
Apart from this at least 15 people sustained severe injuries and were admitted to the Thanjavur Medical College for medical attention informed the police Inspector.
As per the preliminary investigation, the incident took place after the temple car used in the temple chariot festival came in contact with a high voltage electric wire stated Balakrishnan.
He added that the high power line touched the temple car and set it on fire during the annual chariot festival in the Kellimedu village of Tamil Nadu.
The chariot during the incident was negotiating a turn but before being reversed it faced an obstacle after coming in contact with the overhead electric line said the Inspector based on the probe.
However, more details about the incident are awaited as the investigation is still underway.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed grief over the tragic death of 11 people in the chariot festival and paid heartfelt condolences.
The chief minister announced a compensation of Rupees 5 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the Thanjavur temple festival mishap.
Apart from this Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sadness over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rupees 2 lakh from Prime Minister National Relief Fund (PMRF) to the families of the deceased.
The prime minister taking to Twitter also announced Rupees 50,000 to be given to all those injured following the incident.
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