Chennai: Atleast 11 people were killed and 15 others injured after a temple chariot came in contact with a high tension powerline early Wednesday morning in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. The tragic incident occurred at Kalimedu near Thanjavur when the Appar temple chariot procession was underway at around 3 am. Among 11 of the dead, there are 3 minors.
The tragic incident happened around 3 am Wednesday morning when the chariot was being dragged by devotees house by house in a religious ceremony and came in contact with a live high tension wire.
The injured are being treated at the Tanjore Medical College Hospital in Thanjavur.
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin has announced condolences and solatium of Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister's relief fund to the families of the deceased. The state assembly observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to those who had lost their lives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to the kin of the deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.
President Ramnath Kovind has expressed condolences. "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," he tweeted.
"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," tweeted PM Modi.