3 dead as Tazia comes in contact with high-tension power line in Madhya Pradesh

The incident happened in Ratlam district. Reports suggest that officials allegedly failed to shut off the power supply of the area – a precaution that is taken every year during the Tazia procession.

In Short

• Accident caused by 11 kV line running 20–25 feet above ground
• 12 people suffered severe burns and 5 of them remain critical
• Over 200 people had gathered to participate in the procession

Three people were killed, and 12 others sustained severe burn injuries when a Tazia procession being taken out on the occasion of Muharram came in contact with a high-tension power line in a village in Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh. The incident took place on Thursday night.

"Three people died in the incident. Investigation is underway," said Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar. The injured are being treated at various hospitals, he added.

A video from the site captured the chaos that followed the incident, with several people seen lying on the ground after being electrocuted. Reports suggest that officials allegedly failed to shut off the power supply of the area – a precaution that is taken every year during the Tazia procession.

All the injured were rushed to the hospital with help from locals. Five people are said to be in critical condition.

More than 200 people, including those from nearby villages, had gathered to participate in the Tazia procession at the time of the incident.

Eyewitnesses said that as the procession collided with a power line, the people carrying it were electrocuted and fell to the ground. Other people nearby were also affected after coming into contact with them, they added.

The accident was caused by an 11 kV electricity transmission line that was reportedly running at a height of 20–25 feet above the ground.

- Ends
(Based on inputs from Vijay Meena, with additional inputs from PTI)