Bangalore, September 16: Four people were killed and seven others seriously injured when the arch of a decorated palanquin, in which they were carrying the idol of Lord Ganesha for immersion, came in contact with an overhead high tension wires near Gubbi in Tumkur district, about 100 km from here, today.
Police said several devotees were perched on top of the palanquin which was being pulled by a tractor. The tragedy occurred when the high arch came in contact with the electric wires when the procession was being taken out at dawn today.
While one person was charred to death on the spot, three others died on the way to hospital. The injured have been admitted to a hospital.
The group of people of Ankalakoppa village had celebrated ‘Ganeshotsava’ throughout the night last night and were taking the idol for immersion in a nearby lake. After the tragic incident a pall of gloom descended on the village.
The dead were identified as Govinda (26), Gangaiah (31), Srinivas (36) and Sundar (28), police added.
—Agencies