20230629 7 dead, 18 injured as chariot catches fire during Rath Yatra procession in Tripura’s Unakoti district
India Jun 29 2023 “Other”
Dead : dead 5 to 9 Burnout : 0 or unknown Injured : injured more than 10
7 dead, 18 injured as chariot catches fire during Rath Yatra procession in Tripura’s Unakoti district
Updated: 2023-06-29
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.
“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.
PM announces ex-gratia
“The mishap during the Ulta Rath Yatra at Kumarghat is saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this mishap. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected,” read a tweet from PMO.
“Rs. 2 lakh ex-gratia from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 would be given to those injured in the mishap in Tripura,” PMO announces in another tweet.
Web Source: The Times of India