At least seven people, including two children, were killed and 16 others injured after a chariot came into contact with an overhead high-voltage electric wire in Tripura's Unakoti district on Wednesday.
According to the police, the incident took place during the "Ulto Rath" procession, which is the 'return' journey of the Hindu god Jagannath and his two siblings after the annual Rath Yatra festival. The chariot was made of iron and was heavily decorated. When it came into contact with an overhead electric wire, it caused a surge of electricity, killing six on the spot while one person died on the way to the hospital.
The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital, where many of them are said to be in critical condition. The police have launched an investigation into the incident and are trying to determine how the chariot came into contact with an electric wire.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the families of the victims. Rs 50,000 was allocated for those injured in the incident
"The mishap during the Ulta Rath Yatra at Kumarghat is saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this mishap. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) tweeted.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha traveled by train to Kumarghat to meet with the injured persons involved in the tragedy.
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