11 Killed In Electrocution During Temple Chariot Procession In Tamil Nadu: What We Know

In a tragic incident, 11 devotees including two children lost their lives due to electrocution and 15 others were injured during a chariot festival in Tamil Nadu's Tanjavur.

The incident happened at the Appar Swami temple in Thanjavur during the annual festival.

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Here is what happened

The mishap occurred after the temple car came in contact with a high voltage power line and went up in flames.

"A total of 11 people have died. Three people died on the spot and seven died in the hospital. 15 people are injured and have been taken to Thanjavur Medical College for treatment. FIR has been filed and an investigation into the matter has started," V Balakrishnan Inspector General of Police, Tiruchi Range, said.

The temple car was negotiating a turn and faced some obstacle before being reversed when it came in contact with the overhead line, police and eyewitnesses said. The people standing on the chariot were thrown in the impact.

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Three persons who had suffered injuries have been admitted to the Thanjavur Medical College.

TV visuals showed the chariot completely damaged in the impact.

"Prima facie it suggests that some high tension wire came in contact with the temple car (of chariot festival) during the annual chariot festival in the kallimedu village," Balakrishnan said.

"The temple car was negotiating a turn and faced some obstacle before being reversed when it came in contact with the overhead line," he added.

Tragic news. 11 persons dead and 15 of them are under treatment after a temple car came in touch with an overhead live cable during the temple festival at Kalaimedu in Thanjavur district.

Top officials at the spot. Inquiry underway. pic.twitter.com/OeoGFDs3F2

¡ª Shilpa (@Shilpa1308) April 27, 2022

PM expresses condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed his anguish over the incident.

"Deeply pained by the mishap in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I hope those injured recover soon," the prime minister said.

He also announced Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister's National Relief Find to the next of kin of those who lost their lives. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.

Deeply pained by the mishap in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I hope those injured recover soon: PM @narendramodi

¡ª PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 27, 2022

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.

¡ª President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 27, 2022

Tamil Nadu govt announces compensation

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced a compensation of Rs five lakh to the families of victims.

"Rs 5 lakh of compensation will be immediately provided to the to the families of victims (in electrocution incident) from Chief Minister's Relief Fund," said the Chief Minister's office.

The Chief Minister also expressed grief over the death of 11 people in the incident.

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¡ª CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) April 27, 2022

"This morning in Kalimedu village of Thanjavur district, unexpectedly at the chariot festival eleven people died in the electrocution incident. I was deeply saddened to hear the tragic news. My deepest condolences to the families of the victim," said CM Stalin.

The Chief Minister also said that he has ordered the district administration and police to expedite the rescue operation.

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