High-Tension Wire Hits Idol Trolley in Gorakhpur, Three Die

What Happened

Three people died and several others suffered burns after a tractor-trolley carrying a Durga idol touched a high-tension electricity wire in Gorakhpur on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred in the Gulriha police station area near Chauhan Tola of Jungle Ayodhya Prasad. According to Dainik Bhaskar, the victims who died include two real brothers and their cousin, identified as 21-year-old Chandan, 18-year-old Vicky, and 17-year-old Vicky's cousin Lucky. The group was heading to Koluha Ghat for idol immersion when a railing on the DJ setup touched the overhead electric wire at Rajhi crossing.

Action and Protests

Locals alleged that power supply resumed unexpectedly despite a shutdown request having been made beforehand for the procession. Injured persons including Pushpa Devi, Nandini, Dhirendra, Monu, Anshika Chauhan, Shani Chauhan, Priyanshu, Shivani, and Shantnu were rushed to BRD Medical College. Angered by the tragedy, villagers blocked the Gorakhpur-Maharajganj four-lane highway outside the medical college gate for about three hours, causing a one-kilometer traffic jam and forcing nearby shops to close until PAC battalions and senior officials intervened.

Official Response

District Magistrate Deepak Mehra and SSP Dr. Kaustubh reached the spot with police forces to pacify the crowd. Authorities suspended a Junior Engineer and two police officers, while the line man was removed from service. The blockade was cleared around 7:40 PM after officials took action against the responsible personnel.

Context

Festive processions in various regions often face risks from low-hanging overhead power distribution lines during transport of tall structures and sound systems. Administrative authorities typically coordinate planned shutdowns with power utilities during major festivals to prevent such accidental contacts.