At least three people were killed and 10 others injured after a Tazia procession came into contact with a high-tension power line during a Muharram procession in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam district late Thursday night. The tragic incident occurred around 11:15 pm in Hatnara village under the Piploda police station area, triggering panic among hundreds of devotees participating in the religious procession.
According to police officials, the accident took place as the procession was passing through Mewati Mohalla when the tall Tazia structure struck an overhead power line. Eyewitnesses said the people carrying the Tazia were immediately electrocuted and collapsed on the spot, while several others nearby also suffered electric shocks after coming into contact with them.
Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar confirmed that three people lost their lives in the incident, while the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Ratlam Medical College official Dr. Ravindra Solanki said that three of the victims brought to the hospital had already succumbed to their injuries. Several others are undergoing treatment, with some reportedly suffering severe burn injuries.
Additional Superintendent of Police Vivek Kumar Lal said preliminary findings suggest that an iron sheet fixed on top of the Tazia may have come into contact with the high-voltage electric wire, resulting in the fatal electrocution. Around a dozen people were initially shifted to hospitals following the mishap.
The district administration and police teams rushed to the spot immediately after the accident and launched rescue operations. Officials are investigating the exact circumstances that led to the tragedy, including whether the overhead power line was hanging dangerously low and whether adequate safety measures had been taken before the procession. Authorities are also examining if negligence by any department contributed to the incident.
The incident has cast a shadow over Muharram observances in the region. Police have appealed to organisers of religious processions to coordinate with local authorities and electricity departments before taking out tall structures to prevent similar accidents. An investigation is underway, and officials have assured that appropriate action will be taken if lapses are found.
