11, including children, electrocuted in temple chariot procession in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur

The incident occurred early Wednesday at nearby Kalimedu village when the car was negotiating to turn. People standing on the chariot were thrown in the impact and electrocuted.

Updated on: Apr 27, 2022, 10:44:51 IST

By HT News Desk

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As many as 11 persons, including children, died Wednesday from electrocution during a temple chariot procession in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur district when it came into contact with a high tension transmission line, police said Wednesday. At least 15 others have been injured in the incident. Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin has announced ₹5 lakh each as financial assistance for the deceased, the CM's office announced this morning.

Police investigate the tragic electrocution incident in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur district. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced an ex-gratia relief of ₹2 lakhs each from the PM national relief fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives. Further, those injured will be given a concession of ₹50,000.

The incident occurred in the wee hours of Wednesday at nearby Kalimedu village when the Appar temple chariot procession was being carried out.

According to reports, the temple car was at a bending, trying to turn when it faced some obstacle and reversed. While reversing, the chariot came in contact with the overhead line and went up in flames, police and eyewitnesses said.

People standing on the chariot were thrown in the impact and electrocuted. Visuals captured by TV channels showed the chariot completely damaged in the impact.

Those who had suffered injuries have been admitted to the Thanjavur Medical College, police said. The procession was a part of the annual chariot festival in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu assembly observes 2-minute silence

The Tamil Nadu assembly observed a 2-minute silence on the loss of lives in Thanjavur electrocution incident. Chief minister MK Stalin said he will visit the district personally to meet the injured and the families of deceased.

"I will visit Thanjavur to meet the injured and deceased's families. I have instructed my colleague minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamoezhi to reach the spot and oversee relief operations; have already announced ₹5 lakh each financial assistance for people who passed away,” Stalin said.

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