Tamil Nadu: 60-feet high chariot collapses during Shobha Yatra in Vellore, 7 people injured

News Topical, Digital Desk : Around seven people were seriously injured after a 60-foot-high chariot fell during a temple procession in Tamil Nadu. Several devotees were injured during the annual Myna Kollai festival on the banks of the Palar river in Vellore district.

The injured have been admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Adukkamparai. The incident occurred around midnight when the chariot was being pulled from the river bank onto the road after a ceremonial procession from Kazhinjur near Katpadi. ​​Reports indicate that the chariot lost balance and tilted to one side, trapping around 10 people inside. Police and members of the public immediately came to the rescue, helping the trapped people and transporting the seriously injured to a government hospital.

Order issued to investigate the accident

District Collector Subbulakshmi, Police Superintendent Sivaraman, and Revenue Divisional Officer Senthil Kumar visited the scene and investigated. The Collector later visited the injured at the hospital and inquired about their condition. An investigation has been ordered, and the festival organizers have been instructed to ensure that such incidents do not occur again.

This traditional festival has been celebrated for many years.

The Mayana Kollai Festival is one of the most celebrated annual events in Vellore district. It took place on Sunday evening on the banks of the Palar River. As part of the celebration, deities from 10 villages were decorated, placed on temple chariots, and taken in a procession to the river bank, where devotees performed traditional rituals and offered offerings. Following the accident, the villagers of Kazhinjur simply removed the idol from the tilted chariot and took it back to their village.

According to government regulations, temple chariots should not exceed 12 feet in height. However, during the Mayana Kollai festival, chariots from Virudhambattu, Kazhinjur, and Mottur reportedly reach heights of around 60 feet. Notably, a similar incident occurred in 2023 when a chariot from Mottur village fell into the Palar River during the festival.

Read More: Tamil Nadu: 60-feet high chariot collapses during Shobha Yatra in Vellore, 7 people injured