THRISSUR: Two dead as branch of a banyan tree fell upon two people during Thrissur pooram. The dead are Poonkunnam native Panniyat Radhakrishnan and Nadathara native Rameshan. Both of them are members of the Thiruvambadi devaswom boards. The accident happened near Brahmaswom Madam by 12.20 am-midnight.

The branch of the tree fell down when Madatil Varavu Panchavadyam was going on. Immediately the electricity supply was stopped. About 25 persons including policemen were injured in the accident. Reports suggest the condition of two of them is critical. Eight have been shifted to medical college hospital.

Even though an elephant named Kuttankulangara Arjunan ran off as it was frightened by the incident, it was caught later. Only a few participated in the event this time due to the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic.

In the wake of the accident, fireworks associated with Pooram have been cancelled. The decision has been taken post the discussions conducted with the collector. Paramekkavu has also decided to exclude ‘Ezunallipu’ on 15 elephants. This time only one elephant will be used for ‘Ezunallipu.’