At least nine Kanwar Yatra pilgrims were electrocuted to death and two others were injured when their vehicle came into contact with a high-tension overhead wire in Bihar's Vaishali district late Sunday night.
The accident occurred around 11.15 pm in Sultanpur village, within the jurisdiction of the Industrial police station.
Vaishali District Magistrate Yashpal Meena confirmed the fatalities and injuries, noting that the pilgrims were en route to the Baba Harihar Nath Temple in Sonepur for Jalabhishek.
"Preliminary investigation suggests that the victims deviated from the designated route for Kanwariyas.
The vehicle’s top portion touched a high-tension overhead wire, resulting in the deaths," Meena stated. "The injured have been hospitalised and are out of danger. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination."
The district administration has identified the deceased, who were from Vaishali and nearby areas. An ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each has been announced for the next of kin of the deceased.
Meena assured that the incident is under investigation and that action will be taken if any lapses are found.
Earlier reports by Rambabu Baitha, Sub-divisional Officer of Hajipur-Sadar, indicated that three people were injured in the incident, but updated reports confirm two injuries.
Authorities are scrutinising the circumstances leading to this tragic accident to prevent future occurrences.
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