The damaged temple chariot. At least 11 people, including two children, were killed in the early hours of Wednesday in Kalimedu near Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, after an overhead high-voltage cable came in contact with a temple chariot during a procession.
The procession started around midnight, and the incident happened at 3 am when the dome and the decorations erected on the chariot touched a high-tension line.
The deceased were part of the team that was pulling the chariot. Seven people died on the spot. At least 15 people who were injured in the incident are being treated in hospital. Four are critical.
Two children were among the 11 dead.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin Wednesday offered his condolences to the families of the deceased and announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin.
தஞ்சாவூர் மாவட்டம் களிமேடு கிராமத்தில் மின்சார விபத்தில் உயிரிழந்தவர்களின் குடும்பத்தாருக்கு ஆறுதல் மற்றும் நிவாரண உதவிகளை மாண்புமிகு முதலமைச்சர் @mkstalin அவர்கள் அறிவித்துள்ளார். pic.twitter.com/v4FSMClq0q
— CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) April 27, 2022
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also reacting to the incident, said he was deeply pained by the mishap. “My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I hope those injured recover soon,” he added. The Prime Minister announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the victim’s families and Rs 50,000 to the injured from the Prime Minister National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the mishap in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 27, 2022
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