Eleven people, including three boys, were killed in a high voltage electrocution accident in the wee hours of Wednesday during the chariot festival (Ther Thiruvizha). Six others were seriously injured in the mishap that took place when the temple car came in contact with an overhead live wire.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin condoled the incident and announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for families of the victims of the Thanjavur electrocution accident. He will also leave for Thanjavur around 11:30 am on Wednesday.

The incident of electrocution took place near Kalimedu as the district was celebrating the Chariot festival. Fourteen people are under treatment at the Tanjore Medical College Hospital with minor injuries and two are critical.

An FIR has been registered and an investigation has started in connection with deaths due to electrocution during the chariot procession in Appar Swami temple of Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur. The temple car was reportedly negotiating a turn and faced some obstacles before being reversed when it came into contact with the overhead line, police and eyewitnesses said. The people standing on the chariot were thrown in the impact.