Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu), April 27. Eleven people, including three boys, were killed in Tamil Nadu due to electrocution while 14 left injured during a temple chariot procession near Thanjavur early Wednesday, police said. While the Prime Minister Office announced Rs 2 lakh ex gratia each to the next of kin of those deceased, the Chief Minister’s office marked Rs 5 lakh each for them as well.Inspector-General of Police, Central Zone, V Balakrishnan said a Saivite prayer club formed by Kalimedu villagers organised the chariot procession in remembrance of 7th century Tamil poet-saint Sri Appar. The incident occurred during the annual Chithirai festival. The chariot procession carrying the image of Sri Appar or Thirunavukkarasar on Tuesday midnight was being pulled by a large number of devotees. A 25- to 30-feet electrical serial bulb decoration, atop the chariot, came into contact with a high voltage line at around 2.45 am as the procession was underway. The chariot went up in flames and 10 people were killed on the spot. Fourteen others, who sustained injuries were rushed to the Thanjavur Medical College Hospital, where a 13-year-old boy succumbed to injuries Wednesday morning. The condition of another person is also critical. A probe is underway. President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tamil Nadu Governor R.N.Ravi, Chief Minister M.K.Stalin and leaders of various political parties condoled the deaths. “The loss of life, including that of children, due to electrocution in a procession in Thanjavur is a tragedy beyond words. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the President tweeted. Modi expressed his condolence on Twitter said: “Deeply pained by the mishap in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I hope those injured recover soon.” As his office announced a compensation. “Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the victims of the accident in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu and Rs 50,000 will be provided from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund: the PMO said in a tweet. A release from Raj Bhavan said Tamil Nadu Governor R.N.Ravi expressed grief and deepest condolences to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives, and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. Stalin expressed his condolences and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families. He was expected to visit Thanjavur later Wednesday. The DMK chief has also instructed Minister for School Education Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi to reach the spot and oversee relief operations. He also directed the authorities to provide the best medical care to those injured in the accident.
