In Tripura, at least 10 people killed, 22 injured when the chariot hit by a high tension wire during the Jagannath Rath Yatra.
By Bhupen Goswami
Guwahati: A jagannath yatra chariot carrying out a Jagannath Yatra from ISKCON temple in Tripura’s Unakoti district was hit by a high-tension wire at around 6.30 pm on Wednesday, police said. Ten people, including two children, were killed. At the same time, 22 people were injured. He has been admitted to the hospital in critical condition. On the other hand, some media users have said that 22 people have died in the accident so far.
However, it has not been officially confirmed. Official sources said, seven persons died on the spot and three succumbed to their injuries in a hospital this morning. According to the police, the incident took place at 4.30 pm in Kumarghat area during the ‘Ulta Rath Yatra’ festival. The devotees were pulling the chariot made of iron. Meanwhile, the chariot came in contact with a 133 kv overhead cable. Police have launched an investigation into the incident. The team is trying to find out how the chariot came in contact with the electric wire. Dr Sanjit Chakma, medical officer of Kumarghat sub-division hospital, said, “A total of 10 people have died so far.At the same time, 22 people have been referred to the district hospital. According to beliefs, the Ulti Rath Yatra takes place a week after Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra in Tripura. In this, the chariot of God is pulled from behind. This is called the Ghurati Rath Yatra. Lord Balabhadra and sister Subhadra ride along with Lord Jagannath on the chariot.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said, “Such an incident has never happened before in the history of Tripura. I went to the accident site and two hospitals. The seriously injured have been referred to JB Hospital. Chief Minister Manik Saha has expressed grief over the accident. “I am saddened by this incident. Financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh will be given to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. Those who have suffered more than 60% burns will be given Rs 1 lakh. At the same time, those with more than 40% and less than 60% burns will be given assistance of Rs 75,000. The Chief Minister said that rs 2 lakh will be given to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident and Rs 50,000 to the injured from PMNRF. “My condolences to the families of the victims and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” the chief minister said. The state government stands with the victims in this difficult time. Speaking to the media, Energy Minister Ratan Lal Nath said, “I have spoken to local MLA Bhagwan Das and DGM of Tripura State Power Corporation. The officials have been ordered to investigate and submit the report as soon as possible. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office quoted him as tweeting, “The accident during the Ulta Rath Yatra in Kumarghat is tragic. I express my condolences to those who lost their loved ones in this accident. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. Leader of Opposition Animesh Debbarma of Tipra Motha demanded strict action against those who led to the accident.
