Agartala, June 28: Six people died and 15 others were injured as a Rath caught fire after coming in contact with a high-tension wire in Tripura's Unakoti district on Wednesday, police said. The incident happened around 4.30 pm in Kumarghat area during the 'Ulta Rath Yatra' festival of Lord Jagannath, they said. Char Dham Yatra 2023: Two Devotees Die Due to Heart Attack in Uttarakhand’s Yamnotri.

During this festival, the sibling deities -- Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhdara and Lord Jagannath -- return to their abode, a week after Rath Yatra. Thousands of people were pulling the Rath, made of iron, when it came in contact with a 133 kv overhead cable, police said. Six people died on the spot and 15 others received burn injuries, Assistant Inspector General (Law & Order) Jyotishman Das Chowdhury told PTI. The injured were undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital, he said. Their conditions were stated to be critical, officials said. Uttar Pradesh: Toddler, Mother Die of Electrocution on Terrace After Iron Rod Comes in Contact With High-Tension Wire in Ghaziabad.

Six Dead, 15 Injured:

Chief Minister Manik Saha condoled the deaths. "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," he said.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)