Tamil Nadu: 11 electrocuted, 15 injured in Mutt car festival in Thanjavur district; PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh compensation

Mangled remains of the chariot after eleven people were electrocuted and died on the spot during the chariot procession, in Kalimedu area of Thanjavur district. Pic/PTI

Eleven persons were electrocuted and 15 others injured when the top of a car belonging to Appar Madam/Mutt touched the overhead power cable in Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday morning.

According to police, the accident took place in Kalimedu village when the car touched the overhead power cable killing 11 and injuring 15.

The top of the car touched the power line, which was about 30 ft high, at a road turning just before reaching its destination.

District officials rushed to the spot to carry out rescue efforts.

Police said while three people died on the spot, eight others who were severely injured succumbed to their injuries later. Condoling the death Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a solatium of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased.

Investigation into the accident is on.

PM Narendra Modi announces Rs 2 lakh compensation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish over 11 people getting electrocuted during a temple chariot procession in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur. The incident occurred when the chariot came in contact with a high-tension transmission line while reversing after facing an obstacle while taking a turn.

"Deeply pained by the mishap in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I hope those injured recover soon," the prime minister said.

He also announced Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister's National Relief Find to the next of kin of those who lost their lives. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.

CM MK Stalin expresses grief, announces Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced a compensation of Rs five lakh to the families of victims who died due to electrocution during the chariot procession of Appar Swami Temple in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday."Rs 5 lakh of compensation will be immediately provided to the to the families of victims (in electrocution incident) from Chief Minister's Relief Fund," said the Chief Minister's office.

The Chief Minister also expressed grief over the death of 11 people in the incident.

"This morning in Kalimedu village of Thanjavur district, unexpectedly at the chariot festival eleven people died in the electrocution incident. I was deeply saddened to hear the tragic news. My deepest condolences to the families of the victim," said CM Stalin.The Chief Minister also said that he has ordered the district administration and police to expedite the rescue operation. Meanwhile, an FIR has been registered and an investigation has started into the incident.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.