At least nine Kanwar Yatra pilgrims were electrocuted to death and two others sustained injuries when the vehicle they were travelling in came in contact with a high-tension overhead wire in Bihar’s Vaishali district, a senior official said on Monday.
The incident took place in Sultanpur village in Industrial police station area around 11.15 pm on Sunday.
Officials investigating the matter said action will be taken if lapses are found on anyone’s part.
“Nine pilgrims (Kanwariyas) died and two others sustained injuries when the top portion of their vehicle touched a high-tension overhead wire in Sultanpur village under the jurisdiction of Industrial police station. They were going to Baba Harihar Nath Temple in Sonepur to perform Jalabhishek,” Vaishali District Magistrate Yashpal Meena told PTI.
“Preliminary investigation suggested that the victims did not take the dedicated route fixed for the Kanwariyas. The two injured persons have been admitted to a hospital. Both of them are out of danger. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination,” he said.