14 electrocuted after squall hits Barmer village

Our Correspondent

Jaipur, June 23

 

A sudden squall in Rajasthan’s border district of Barmer led to the death of 14 people on Sunday afternoon, an official said.  

 

The victims were part of a crowd of over 1,000 people who had gathered in a large tent to listen to Murlidhar Maharaj's preaching of 'Ram Katha' at Barmer’s Jasol village, Barmer Sub-Divisional Magistrate Rohit Kumar said. They were electrocuted when the squall caused a short circuit. 

 

Police said 60 people were wounded in the incident and that the death toll could jump.

 

Some eyewitnesses at the gathering said the short circuit had created a panic among the audience and led to a stampede.

 

The area witnessed a spell of heavy rain and gusty winds on Sunday. 

  

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot condoled the deaths, as did the Prime Minister’s Office.  

 

Gehlot ordered inquiry into the incident. He also announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those killed in the incident, and Rs 2 lakh to the wounded.  

 

“Collapse of a ‘Pandaal’ in Rajasthan’s Barmer is unfortunate. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and I wish the injured a quick recovery,” PMO’s tweet read. With agencies

Collapse of a ‘Pandaal’ in Rajasthan’s Barmer is unfortunate. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and I wish the injured a quick recovery: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 23, 2019

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— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) June 23, 2019

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— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) June 23, 2019

from The Tribune http://bit.ly/2ZHSNIi
via Today’s News Headlines