As many as 11 people, including 2 kids, were electrocuted after a power cable wire got entangled with the temple chariot that was being pulled by devotees. The shocking incident happened in Kalimedu town, in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district. The 94th Appar Gurupoojai was celebrated on Tuesday midnight in the town. The devotees were pulling the temple chariot through the streets. When they were turning the chariot at a road's corner, a high-tension electric cable hit the nine-foot high chariot and fire sparked.

As soon as the electric spark broke out, people mistook it as a fire accident and tried to put it out by pouring water, said the Police. They had not poured water, the death toll would have been less, the Police said. The accident electrocuted 11 people. Three of them died on the spot while eight others died at the Thanjavur Medical College Hospital. A massive loss of life was averted as it was a hugely crowded event and many people immediately stepped away from the temple chariot. Several others were also injured who were immediately taken to the nearby hospital where they are currently undergoing treatment.