2 Killed, over 30 injured as Durga idol vehicle brushes live wire in MP

Two men were killed and more than 30 others sustained injuries after a vehicle carrying an idol of Goddess Durga came into contact with a high-tension power line in the Gaura Bazar area of Jabalpur late Sunday night, officials said.According to information,the incident occurred when a pipe on the truck transporting the idol touched an 11,000 kV live wire, triggering an electric current that spread through the vehicle. The victims were part of a procession taking the idol for immersion after Navratri celebrations.“Two men died on the spot due to electrocution, while several others received shocks of varying intensity,” said Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Anjana Tiwari. Initial estimates suggested that around 10–15 people were injured, though the toll later rose significantly.According to Dr. Nitin Yadav, a duty doctor at Government Victoria Hospital, 35 individuals were brought in for treatment following the incident. “Two were declared dead on arrival, and 33 others have been admitted across different wards, including the ICU. The condition of all injured persons is currently stable,” he said.
The deceased were identified as Chintu Vishwakarma (38) and Akhilesh Patel (48), both residents of the local area who were travelling on the vehicle.Eyewitnesses reportedly stated the vehicle, decorated with iron poles and illuminated lights for the immersion procession, brushed against the high-tension line, resulting in the fatal electric surge. Panic ensued as several participants in the procession collapsed due to the shock.Upon receiving information about the tragedy, State Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh, regional MLA Ashok Rohani, District Collector Raghvendra Singh, and Superintendent of Police Sampat Upadhyay visited the hospital to review the situation and ensure proper medical assistance for the injured.Authorities have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident to determine whether safety protocols were violated during the procession.