UNAKOTI: Seven people, including two minors, were killed and 18 others injured when a chariot caught fire during a Rath Yatra procession after it touched a high-tension wire at Kumarghat in Tripura’s Unokoti district on Wednesday evening.
The condition of the six of the injured is said to be critical. They have been referred to the Agartala Government Medical College.
The incident occurred at around 4.30pm in the Kumarghat area during the ‘Ulta Rath Yatra’ festival of Lord Jagannath.
The festival marks the return of the sibling deities — Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath — to their sacred dwelling, one week after the Rath Yatra.
During the festivities, a large number of people were enthusiastically pulling the ‘Rath’, which was constructed using iron. During the procession, the ‘Rath’ accidentally made contact with a 133kv overhead cable, police said.
Chief minister Manik Saha condoled the deaths.
The condition of the six of the injured is said to be critical. They have been referred to the Agartala Government Medical College.
The incident occurred at around 4.30pm in the Kumarghat area during the ‘Ulta Rath Yatra’ festival of Lord Jagannath.
The festival marks the return of the sibling deities — Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath — to their sacred dwelling, one week after the Rath Yatra.
During the festivities, a large number of people were enthusiastically pulling the ‘Rath’, which was constructed using iron. During the procession, the ‘Rath’ accidentally made contact with a 133kv overhead cable, police said.
Chief minister Manik Saha condoled the deaths.
“In a tragic accident at Kumarghat, several pilgrims lost their lives and several others were injured due to electrocution while pulling the ‘Ulta Rath’. I am deeply saddened by this incident. Deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Also, I wish the injured persons a speedy recovery. The state government stands by them in this difficult time,” he said.
(With inputs from PTI)
