At least two people were killed and more than 10 others injured after an electric wire came into contact with a high-tension power line during an idol immersion procession in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur district, police said, IANS reported on Thursday, October 22.
Source: IANS via BizzBuzz
The accident occurred under the Majhauli police station area when a group was taking an idol from Civil Lines Path to Narili pond for immersion. More than 50 people were accompanying the procession, according to the reports.
Source: IANS via AsiaPost
According to preliminary information, a 440-volt low-hanging wire was lifted to make way for the procession, and it came into contact with an overhead high-tension line. The wire subsequently broke and fell on the tractor-trolley, exposing people nearby to electric current.
Victims identified, critically injured referred to Jabalpur
The two victims, identified as Vikas Rajput, 22, and Prince Chauhan, 23, were sitting on the tractor and died on the spot, police said. Mayank Rajput, Vicky Raikwar, Manish Rajput and Ayush Raikwar were among those who sustained serious injuries. They were initially taken to the Majhauli health centre before being referred to the medical college in Jabalpur due to their critical condition, and the injured were shifted with the help of 108 ambulance services.
Source: Nation Press
Majhauli police station in-charge Purva Chaurasia reached the spot with her team after receiving information about the accident. Police are looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Residents allege warnings and a delayed response
Local residents alleged that medical assistance was delayed after the injured were taken to the Majhauli health centre. They claimed that no medical staff were available initially and that the doctor arrived around 30 minutes later. These are residents' allegations; no official response to them was reported.
Residents also alleged that the issue of low-hanging power lines had been raised during a meeting attended by police and administrative officials and members of the organising committee before the procession.
Two dead — Vikas Rajput (22) and Prince Chauhan (23) — and more than 10 injured in the Majhauli area of Jabalpur district. Preliminary account: a lifted 440-volt wire touched a high-tension line, broke and fell on the tractor-trolley. Police are investigating the circumstances.