6 dead, 15 injured during ‘Ulta Rath’ procession in Tripura after chariot hits high-tension power lines

“We have got information about 15 others who were injured in the incident. They were rushed to Unakoti District Hospital at Kailashahar,” Assistant Inspector General (Law and Order) Jyotishman Das Chowdhury told indianexpress.com.

Some of the injured persons were in a critical state, according to preliminary reports.

Meanwhile, videos of the incident at Kumarghat have gone viral on social media. Condolences have poured in from all quarters after the mishap in Kumarghat.

Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha expressed his condolences on Twitter and wrote, “In a tragic incident, several devotees have lost their lives & some other people sustained injuries due to electrocution during Ulta Rath Yatra at Kumarghat today.

“My deepest condolences to the bereaved families who lost their near and dear ones in the tragedy.

“In this difficult time, the State Government stands by the side of the affected families.”

The CM has started for Kumarghat on a train from Agartala to take stock of the situation. Officials said since helicopter services or any other modes of transport were unavailable due to the heavy downpour since Wednesday morning, the CM had to take the train.

Opposition TIPRA Motha chief Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma also expressed his condolences.

“Hearing about a terrible incident in Kumarghat during the rath yatra, my prayers and condolences to all those who have been affected. I have immediately asked all my local MLAs and MDC to extend all help possible,” he tweeted.