At least three people died and 10 suffered electric shock when Tazia came in contact with a high voltage line during a Muharram procession in Hatnara village of Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam district on Thursday night (25th June).
As per reports, seven people were injured in the incident, out of whom five were admitted to hospitals in critical condition. The deceased have been identified as Rashid Khan, Saddu Hussain and Arbaaz Khan.
The incident happened around 11 pm when the Tazia with a metal frame touched an overhead power line, resulting in people around it getting shocked. Two people died on the spot, while the third one died on the way to the hospital. The incident triggered a panic and a stampede-like situation among around 200 people taking part in the procession.
Confirming the deaths, Dr Ravindra Solanki, on-duty doctor at Ratlam Medical College, said that the three people had died before reaching the hospital. Ratlam Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rakesh Pandro said officials from the police and administration reached the spot immediately after receiving information. Preliminary investigation revealed that the Tazia came into contact with an overhead high voltage line as the cause of the incident.
An inquiry has been launched by the administration into the incident to determine if there was any lapse in maintaining the required height of the power line or in complying with safety standards.
