In the wee hours of Wednesday, the accident occurred in Kalaiamedu of Thanjavur district when a temple chariot came in contact with a live wire which resulted in 11 deaths out of which 3 died on the spot while others breathed last during their transit to or after reaching the hospital. It is being reported that 15 others are also seriously injured and are undergoing treatment at Thanjavur Medical College.

According to eyewitnesses, the chariot was at a turning when it faced some type of obstacle and thus had to reverse. While reversing, it came in contact with the overhead wire and went up in flames. People on the temple car were immediately electrocuted and thrown with great impact.

It was later notified by the police that the low-tension cables were switched off prior to the procession, hence the chariot may have come in contact with the high-tension cable. It is now being speculated that the topmost part of the car either came in contact with the cable or the arc of influence of the high-tension cable.

V Balakrishnan, Inspector General of Police, Central Zone - Tiruchirappalli told that an FIR has been registered in the matter and the most certain cause of the mishap will be known only after a due inquiry which is already underway.

PM Modi said “My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I hope those injured recover soon.” He announced Rs 2 lakh solatium for the kins of those who died and Rs 50,000 for injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

Similarly, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin also announced a relief amount of Rs 5 lakh for the deceased and is expected to meet the victim’s families soon. A two-minute silence was also observed in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on the loss of these lives and such an unfortunate incident.