Many die as Rath catches fire in Tripura procession

June 28, 2023 20:56

Six people died and 15 others were injured as a Rath caught fire after coming in contact with a high-tension wire in Tripura's Unakoti district on Wednesday, the police said.

The incident happened around 4.30 pm in Kumarghat area during the 'Ulta Rath Yatra' festival of Lord Jagannath, they said.

During this festival, the sibling deities -- Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhdara and Lord Jagannath -- return to their abode, a week after Rath Yatra.

Thousands of people were pulling the Rath, made of iron, when it came in contact with a 133 kv overhead cable, the police said.

Six people died on the spot and 15 others received burn injuries, assistant inspector general (law & order) Jyotishman Das Chowdhury told PTI.

The injured were undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital, he said.

Their conditions were stated to be critical, officials said. Chief Minister Manik Saha condoled the deaths. -- PTI

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