India: 11 electrocuted during temple chariot procession

Mumbai: A freak electrocution in southern India killed at least 11 people, including two children, after their vehicle snagged overhead transmission lines and burst into flame during a religious procession, the authorities said on Wednesday. 

According to details, the incident left more than a dozen people injured after the vehicle, a 2.7m-high structure fashioned in the form of a chariot, pulled by worshippers, hit the high-voltage lines. 

Offering condolences to the bereaved, Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned to twitter and wrote, "I hope those injured recover soon".

Narendra Modi, also reacting to the incident, said he was deeply pained by the mishap. 

“My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief,” he added. 

The Prime Minister announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the victim’s families and Rs 50,000 to the injured from the Prime Minister National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

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

Some of the injured were hurt in falls following the electric shock, and others, who scrambled to escape the flames, when they jumped from the chariot, which carried statues of Hindu deities in addition to the devotees. 

The chariot, which had been wending its way back to a nearby temple, was left a charred ruin.

Fire engines and local officials joined the rescue effort.