At least nine ‘kanwariyas’ or Kanwar Yatra pilgrims were electrocuted to death and three others were injured when their DJ-mounted vehicle came in contact with a high-tension overhead wire in Bihar's Hajipur in the Vaishali district. According to PTI, the incident occurred in Sultanpur village in the Industrial police station area on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday.
Of the nine people, eight people died on the spot while one person died during treatment in hospital.
The kanwariyas were going to Baba Harihar Nath Temple at Sonepur, in neighbouring Saran district, to perform Jalabhishekh rituals.
An ANI report quoted Hajipur Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Om Prakash as saying that the incident occurred because the height of the vehicle was very high, which is why it came in contact with the high-tension wire.
The injured individuals have been admitted to hospital where their condition is reported to be stable. The bodies of the deceased have been sent for a post-mortem examination, and the matter is currently under investigation.
Officials said they are investigating the matter, adding that action will be taken if lapses are found on anyone's part.
Jharkhand Electrocution
In a similar incident, last week, at least five Kanwar Yatra pilgrims were electrocuted to death and three others were left injured in Jharkhand's Latehar district after their vehicle came in contact with a high-tension overhead wire.
The incident occurred at Tam Tam Tola in the Balumath police station area. The pilgrims were returning from Baba Baidyanath temple in Deoghar when their vehicle hit an electricity pole.