Jabalpur, Oct 22 (IANS) 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.
The accident occurred late Tuesday night 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 preliminary information, a 440-volt low-hanging wire was lifted to make way, which 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.
The two victims, identified as Vikas Rajput (22) and Prince Chauhan (23), were sitting on the tractor and died on the spot.
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.
Majhauli police station in-charge Purva Chaurasia reached the spot with her team after receiving information about the accident.
The injured were shifted to Jabalpur with the help of 108 ambulance services. Police are looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Meanwhile, 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.
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.
The electricity department had been asked to ensure that the wires were properly secured, but no corrective action was taken in time, according to reports.
Further details about the police investigation and any action against those responsible were awaited.
–IANS
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