Ulta Rath Yatra turns tragic in Tripura, 6 dead, 10 injured after chariot hits high-voltage power lines

The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital and many of them are said to be in critical condition

At least 6 people including children and women were killed and 10 others were injured after a chariot of Lord Jagannath hit high-voltage power lines at Kumarghat in Tripura’s Unakoti district today.

The Ulta Rath Yatra marks the culmination of the Rath Yatra festival that began on June 20.

As per inputs, the incident happened this evening when the chariot made of iron was returning to the Jagannath Bari temple on the occasion of ‘Ulta Rath’ as per tradition came into contact with an overhead electric wire.

Although electricity authorities shut down the local power lines, the high-tension power lines were reportedly left live, which eventually led to the tragedy. Making things worse, it was also raining at the time of the incident, as told by sources.

The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital and many of them are said to be in critical condition. An inquiry into the incident has been launched by police to ascertain how the chariot got into contact with an electric wire.

Chief Minister Manik Saha has condoled the tragic death of the six people in the electrocution during the Ulta Rath Yatra and has left for Kumarghat tragedy site to take stock of the situation.

“In a tragic accident at Kumarghat, several pilgrims lost their lives and several others were injured due to electrocution while pulling the ‘Ulta Rath’. I am deeply saddened by this incident. Deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Also, I wish the injured persons a speedy recovery. The state government stands by them in this difficult time,” CM Saha tweeted.

In a tragic incident, several devotees have lost their lives & some other people sustained injuries due to electrocution during Ulta Rath Yatra at Kumarghat today.

My deepest condolences to the bereaved families who lost their near and dear ones in the tragedy.

In this…

— Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) June 28, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also condoled the death of the six people in the incident and wished for a speedy recovery of the injured persons.

The mishap during the Ulta Rath Yatra at Kumarghat is saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this mishap. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 28, 2023

PM Modi has announced ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured persons.

Rs. 2 lakh ex-gratia from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 would be given to those injured in the mishap in Tripura: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 28, 2023

Tipra Motha leader Animesh Debbarma also extended his condolences over the incident. Debbarma, while demanding stringent punishment for the guilty, said the kin of the deceased should be provided an ex-gratia of a minimum of Rs 20 lakh, and Rs 10 lakh for those injured.

Former Tripura Chief Minister, Biplab Kumar Deb also extended his condolences to the families of those who died in the tragic incident.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also condoled the death of the people and those who got injured in the incident.

Taking to Twitter, CM Sarma wrote, “Devastated by the tragic incident during the Ulta Rath Yatra at Kumarghat, where devotees lost their lives & others were injured due to electrocution. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate event.”

Devastated by the tragic incident during the Ulta Rath Yatra at Kumarghat, where devotees lost their lives & others were injured due to electrocution. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate event.@DrManikSaha2

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 28, 2023

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