Agartala, India (June 28, 2023) - Six people were killed and 15 others injured on Wednesday when an electric current descended from a high tension line during the Rath Yatra festival in Tripura.
The incident took place in the town of Agartala, the capital of Tripura, as a chariot carrying a statue of the Hindu god Krishna was making its way through the streets. The current is believed to have come from a loose wire that came into contact with the chariot.
The dead included four men, one woman, and a child. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital, where they are being treated for their injuries.
The police have cordoned off the area and are investigating the cause of the accident. They have also warned people to stay away from high tension lines during religious festivals and other large gatherings.
The Rath Yatra is a Hindu festival that celebrates the journey of Krishna from his birth place to his aunt's house. It is one of the most popular festivals in India and is celebrated with great fanfare.
This year's festival was particularly crowded, as people had turned out in large numbers to celebrate the end of the COVID-19 lockdown. The accident is a reminder of the dangers of high tension lines and the importance of taking precautions during religious festivals.
The government has announced a compensation of Rs. 5 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs. 1 lakh for the injured. The chief minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, has also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The incident has also sparked calls for better safety measures around high tension lines. The authorities have said that they will review the safety measures in place and take necessary steps to prevent such accidents from happening in the future.
