Ratlam: At least three people were killed and 12 others sustained severe burn injuries after a Tazia procession taken out on the occasion of Muharram came into contact with a high-tension power line in a village in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam district on Thursday night.
Procession turns tragic
According to police, the incident occurred when the Tazia procession, which was being carried through the village as part of Muharram observances, accidentally touched an overhead electricity transmission line.
More than 200 people, including residents from nearby villages, had gathered to participate in the procession at the time of the incident.
Eyewitnesses said the people carrying the Tazia were electrocuted immediately after it came into contact with the power line and collapsed to the ground. Several others standing nearby also suffered injuries after coming into contact with the victims.
The accident triggered panic among the crowd, with people rushing to rescue the injured and shift them to hospitals.
Three dead, several critically injured
Ratlam Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar confirmed that three people had lost their lives in the incident.
“Three people died in the incident. Investigation is underway,” the SP said.
The injured were rushed to various hospitals with the help of local residents and emergency personnel. Reports said at least five of the injured are in critical condition and are undergoing treatment.
Police and district officials have launched an investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
Allegations over failure to cut power supply
Reports suggest that officials allegedly failed to shut off the power supply in the area before the procession, a precaution that is reportedly taken every year during Tazia processions to prevent such accidents.
Authorities are examining whether there was any negligence in implementing safety measures ahead of the religious event.
The accident was reportedly caused by an 11 kV electricity transmission line running at a height of around 20 to 25 feet above the ground.
A video from the site that surfaced on social media showed scenes of chaos, with several people lying on the ground after being electrocuted and others attempting to provide assistance.
Investigation underway
Police officials said statements of eyewitnesses are being recorded and an inquiry has been initiated to determine the exact sequence of events and whether any lapses contributed to the incident.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the need for strict safety protocols during religious processions, particularly in areas where overhead power lines pose a risk to participants.
Authorities are expected to review existing guidelines and take necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The electrocution during the Muharram procession in Ratlam has left three people dead and several others injured, casting a shadow over the religious observance. As investigations continue, questions are being raised over whether adequate precautions had been taken to ensure the safety of participants.