Latehar, Jharkhand – In a heartbreaking incident early Thursday morning, five Kanwariyas (pilgrims) lost their lives in Jharkhand's Latehar district after their vehicle came into contact with a high-tension overhead electric wire. The tragic accident occurred in the Tam Tam Tola area under Balumath police station, leaving three others injured.

The Incident: Fatal Collision with High-Tension Wire

Around 3 AM, the group of Kanwariyas – devotees on the Kanwar Yatra pilgrimage to the famous Baba Baidyanath temple in Deoghar – was traveling when their vehicle struck an electricity pole, causing a high-tension wire to fall directly onto their vehicle. The incident immediately led to a deadly electrocution, claiming the lives of five individuals, including two minors.

Balumath SDPO (Sub-Divisional Police Officer) Ashutosh Kumar Satyam confirmed that five Kanwariyas lost their lives, while three others sustained serious injuries. "The high-tension wire fell on the vehicle, resulting in the tragic death of five people and injuring three others," said Satyam.

Victims Identified: Two Minors Among the Deceased

The victims have been identified as Rangili Kumari (12), Anjali Kumari (15), Dileep Oraon (29), and Sabita Devi (30). The fifth victim's identity is yet to be disclosed. Tragically, these devotees, who had been part of the Kanwar Yatra, were on their spiritual journey, returning from the temple when the disaster struck.

The three injured victims have been rushed to the hospital, where their condition is said to be critical. Authorities are investigating the cause of the high-tension wire's fall and whether safety protocols were followed in the area.

Police and Rescue Operations: Swift Action by Authorities

Local authorities responded swiftly to the scene after receiving distress calls. Emergency response teams, including the police and local rescue workers, were immediately dispatched to Tam Tam Tola for rescue and relief operations. The victims were removed from the vehicle, and injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The tragic incident has left the Kanwar Yatra pilgrims and their families in deep mourning, with many others expressing concern over the safety of pilgrims traveling across the state during this time of year.

Safety Measures and Concerns Over Public Infrastructure

This unfortunate incident has raised serious questions about the safety measures for pilgrims during the Kanwar Yatra season. Local authorities have urged the public to exercise extra caution when traveling near high-voltage wires, especially in areas with poorly maintained infrastructure. Many people have raised concerns over the safety of pilgrims, as similar incidents have occurred in the past due to the precarious positioning of electrical wires and poorly regulated traffic conditions.

Political Leaders Express Condolences

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed his condolences over the tragic deaths and announced an immediate probe into the cause of the accident. "My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this horrific incident. The government will provide all necessary support to the victims' families," said CM Soren.

Opposition leaders also expressed their sorrow and demanded a thorough investigation to ensure the safety of pilgrims in future yatra seasons.