Two among those killed were children
At least 11 people died and 15 others were injured after electrocution during a chariot procession at a temple in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur district early this morning, police said.
Police said the incident occurred when the temple palanquin or temple car they were standing on came into contact with a high-transmission line at Appar Madam temple in Kalimedu.
"The temple palanquin faced some obstacle when it was taking a turn. It came into contact with the overhead line while reversing," officials said.
Two among those killed were children, officials said, adding that the injured have been admitted to the nearby hospital for treatment.
"A case has been registered in the matter and an investigation is underway," said V Balakrishnan, Inspector General of Police, Central Zone, Tiruchirappalli.
Thousands of devotees participate in the annual chariot festival in Tamil Nadu every year. The incident has raised questions about lapses in precautionary arrangements made for the procession at the Appar Madam temple.
A senior police official told NDTV that normally power line along the temple car route is turned off to avoid any untoward incident.
"However, the palanquin was not tall enough to touch the high-transmission line, and thus the power supply was not turned off this time. But it seems the decorative structure increased the height of the palanquin, and consequently, it came into contact with the live wire," the official said.
A video of the incident shows the chariot was completely destroyed after coming into contact with the live wire.
President Ram Nath Kovind expressed his anguish over the death of 11 people in the incident, including two children.
"The loss of life, including that of children, due to electrocution in a procession in Thanjavur is a tragedy beyond words. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," President Kovind tweeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he was "deeply pained" over the incident, and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives and Rs 50 thousand each to the injured.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin also expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of those who were killed in the incident.
The Chief Minister also instructed the authorities to ensure the best treatment to the injured.
Tamil Nadu Assembly observed a 2-minute silence for the victims. "I have instructed my colleague minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamoezhi to reach the spot and oversee relief operations," Mr Stalin said.