At least six persons, including two children, died of electrocution and 15 others were injured as a high-tension wire came in contact with Rath in Tripura’s Unakoti district during the Rath Yatra. The deceased included two children and three women.
The incident was reported at around 4:30 pm in Kumarghat area during the ‘Ulta Rath Yatra’ of Lord Jagannath, police said. Fire services were called in and the situation was brought under control.
Police have said that thousands of people were pulling the chariot when it came in contact with a 133 kv overhead cable. As the Rath made contact with a high-tension wire, a fire broke out, engulfing parts of the vehicle, while individuals fell on the road with their bodies engulfed in flames.
The injured persons, who had burn injuries, were rushed to Kailashahar and Kumarghat hospitals in the district, and later seven of them were sent to the GB Pant Hospital in Agartala as their conditions were critical, they said.
Tripura CM Manik Saha visited Kumarghat from Agartala by train to Ulta Rath Yatra today to take stock of the situation. CM Manik Saha expressed his condolences, saying he is “deeply saddened” by the incident.
“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,” Manik Saha said.
Following the incident, Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath has instructed the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd to promptly investigate the matter and submit a report without delay.
Leader of Opposition Animesh Debbarma of the Tipra Motha demanded strong action against those behind the lapses, which led to the accident. “It appears that the incident took place due to lack of alertness by the local administration,” he alleged.
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Updated: 28 Jun 2023, 11:46 PM IST
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