Jabalpur Tragedy: 2 Dead, Several Injured as Dussehra Procession Hits High-Voltage Lines
Two people died and several were injured in Jabalpur after a Dussehra procession touched 11 kV power lines. Investigation is underway.
A festive atmosphere turned into a scene of horror in the Majholi area of Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh, when a Jabalpur Dussehra procession tragedy claimed two lives and left several others injured. The incident occurred on Wednesday night when a procession transporting idols for immersion came into contact with high-tension 11 kV power lines.
The Night of the Accident
According to officials from the Majholi Police Station, the tragedy unfolded while members of an organizing committee were moving religious idols toward the Narela Pond, which had been designated as the official site for immersion. Among the idols being transported was one from the Civil Lines area.
As the procession moved through the streets, the height of the idols or the equipment used to carry them came into direct contact with overhead 11 kV power lines. The resulting massive electric shock was instantaneous, leading to the immediate death of two individuals and leaving between five to seven others injured.
Allegations of Negligence
The incident has sparked outrage among the local community, with many alleging that the disaster could have been prevented. Reports suggest that the issue of the low-hanging power lines had been discussed during a Shanti Samiti (Peace Committee) meeting prior to the event.
Majholi Police Station House Officer (SHO) Purva Chaurasia addressed these allegations, stating that a Junior Engineer (JE) had indeed attended the Peace Committee meeting. According to the SHO, the engineer had assured the committee that the lines would be raised to a safe height, similar to measures taken during previous occasions, after a proper assessment of the situation.
Legal Action and Investigation
In the wake of the deaths, there have been strong demands from the public and the organizing committee for the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against those responsible for the lapse in safety.
"There have been demands for an FIR to be filed; the necessary legal procedures and an investigation are currently underway to facilitate this," stated SHO Purva Chaurasia.
The police have confirmed that senior administration officials have been briefed on the developments. Legal procedures are currently being followed to determine if there was criminal negligence on the part of the electricity department or other authorities. Further details regarding the identity of the deceased and the condition of the injured are awaited.