11 persons electrocuted during temple chariot procession in Tamil Nadu

As many as 11 persons were electrocuted during a temple chariot procession in the district on when it came into contact with a high tension transmission line, police said Wednesday. The deceased included children.

The tragic incident occurred early today at nearby Kalimedu when the Appar temple chariot procession was underway. The temple car was negotiating a turn and faced some obstacle before being reversed when it came in to contact with the overhead line, police and eyewitnesses said.
 

The people standing on the chariot were thrown in the impact. TV visuals showed the chariot completely damaged in the impact. Police said three people died on the spot, eight others who were severely injured succumbed to their injuries later. Investigation into the accident is on.

Condoling the death Chief Minister M.K.Stalin announced a solatium of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased. 

The Prime Minister's Office announced Rs 2 lakh each from PMNRF for the next of kin of the deceased.

President Ram Nath Kovind condoled the loss of lives due to electrocution in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur, saying it is a tragedy beyond words. The loss of life, including that of children, due to electrocution in a procession in Thanjavur is a tragedy beyond words. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured, Kovind tweeted.