Rath Yatra 2022: Electrocution during chariot pulling claims 1 life, leaves 7 injured

A tragic incident unfolded during Rath Yatra celebration at Gudikhala mutt under Basta police limits in Balasore district of Odisha on Friday. 

One person died in the mishap that took place at Mathasahi square in the district while seven others sustained critical injuries. 

The deceased was identified as Anil Kumar Sahu who hailed from Agarada village.

As per reports, the mishap occurred when the residents of Khudial village were pulling a chariot to celebrate Rath Yatra after a gap of two years due to Covid restrictions. 

During the pulling of the chariot by the devotees, its metallic part which got wet in rain came in contact with 11kv electric wire, leaving 8 injured.

All the injured were rushed to Basta Community Health Centre (CHC) in an ambulance. However, doctors declared one of them dead.

Later, four of the critically injured were shifted to Balasore district headquarters hospital (DHH). 

Police have registered a case of unnatural death and launched an investigation into the matter.

Following the mishap, a pall of gloom descended on the village.