Two school students lost their lives, and seven others sustained burn injuries during the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Khunti, Jharkhand. The incident occurred when a chariot touched a high-tension power line in the Torpa area. The deceased, Chandan Kumar and Tijeshwar Gop, were students at Shrihari Plus Two School in Torpa.
The injured individuals, including Kamlesh Gop, Rupesh Kumar Singh, Armaan Alam, Pankaj Ram, Giriraj Yadav, Suje Lohra, and Nilay Ekka, are receiving treatment in various hospitals. Eyewitnesses reported that the chariot’s iron structure came into contact with the electricity line while being pulled by devotees, causing severe injuries to nearby students.
Following the accident, panic ensued at the scene, prompting locals to disconnect the power supply and transport the injured to Torpa Hospital. Two critically wounded students were transferred to Khunti Sadar Hospital, where they were pronounced dead by doctors. The incident has left the victims’ families devastated and cast a shadow of sorrow over the region.
Questions have arisen regarding the safety measures during the Rath Yatra procession. Concerns have been raised about the lack of precautions taken before moving the chariot under power lines and the involvement of school students without proper safety protocols. Authorities are investigating the matter, with senior police and administrative officials present at the site.
