11 including children electrocuted in chariot procession in TN

CHENNAI: Eleven people including two children were electrocuted during a chariot procession during the Chithira festival at a temple in Kalimedu near Thanjavur. Ten people died on the spot and one in the hospital. More than ten people sustained injuries. Four of them are in a critical condition. Police said the death toll is likely to rise.

Police said the incident occurred when the temple palanquin or temple car they were standing on came into contact with a high-transmission line at Appar Madam temple in Kalimedu. Waterlogging in the area aggravated the danger. Reports said rescue operations were carried out after turning off the line.

Hundreds of people including from nearby villages thronged the temple on Tuesday night to mark the 94th Appar Gurupooja. Top officials have rushed to the spot. Authorities are investigating the accident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he was deeply pained over the incident, and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives and Rs 50,000 each to the injured.

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

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of those who were killed in the incident.

The chief minister also instructed the authorities to ensure the best treatment for the injured.