Thanjavur Temple Tragedy: CM Stalin To Meet Victims
Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu), April 27: Hours after three boys and eight adults, were killed in Tamil Nadu due to electrocution, Chief Minister MK Stalin is expected to visit kin of the deceased and 14 injured in a freak temple chariot procession incident near Thanjavur early Wednesday.
The Tamil Nadu Assembly that resumed session on Wednesday passed an ‘attention resolution’ in the House on behalf of all the parties after the post midnight tragedy.
Thiruvaiyaru MLA Durai Chandrasekaran told the media the resolution was to bring to attention the loss of life at the celebration in remembrance of 7th century Tamil Saivite poet-saint Sri Appar (Thirunavukkarasar).
As per reports, most of the victims who were electrocuted were farmers and poor people who took part in the celebrations organised by Sri Appar Swamy Mutt, a prayer club formed by Kalimedu villagers. Part of the ongoing Chithirai festival, the 94th Sri Appar Guru Puja at midnight drew huge crowd.
The villagers organised the chariot procession carrying the portrait of Sri Appar on Tuesday. The decorated chariot was being pulled by a large number of people including women and children, when tragedy struck.
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. The administration is expected to look into future course of such plans to avoid such happenings. Thanjavur MP S.S.Palanimanickam, District Collector Dineshponraj Oliver, Inspector-General of Police, Central Zone V.Balakrishnan and other officials are already camping near the spot, visiting those hit by the tragedy ahead of Stalin’s visit.
The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board was also set to reach the site and review.
Earlier in the day 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. 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.
Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu expressed his anguish at the loss of lives. Naidu tweeted, “Anguished by the loss of lives in a tragic incident in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
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.
Actor-turned politician Kamal Hassan asked officials to adhere to safety guidelines while organising such events. The Makkal Needhi Maiam leader grieving tweeted, “during such gatherings, the event organisers, district administration, police officers and others should take preventive measures. They should adhere to the safety guidelines for organising events”.
