Patna: Nine Kanwariyas tragically lost their lives on Sunday night in Hajipur, Vaishali district of Bihar, after coming into contact with a high-voltage wire. The incident occurred around 11.40 pm at Sultanpur village, in the Industrial Police Station area.
The group, hailing from Jethui village, had embarked on a pilgrimage to collect water from the Ganga river at Pahelaja Ghat for the ritual of Jalabhishek at Baba Hariharnath temple. As they moved approximately 500 meters from the village, a DJ trolley equipped with a sound system touched an 11,000-volt wire, electrocuting the devotees.
Eight Kanwariyas died instantly, while six others suffered severe burns. One of the injured succumbed to his injuries during treatment, raising the death toll to nine. The condition of the remaining injured is critical, with fears that the number of fatalities could rise.
According to Hajipur SDPO Om Prakash, the tragedy unfolded when the DJ equipment, attached to the trolley, came into contact with the high-voltage wire. The resulting electric current surged through the trolley, leading to the devastating loss of life.
Eyewitnesses reported that the electricity department was immediately contacted as soon as the wire was struck, but calls went unanswered. Locals believe that had there been a prompt response, the lives of those electrocuted might have been saved.
The incident sparked outrage among villagers, who demanded the presence of electricity department officials at the scene and blocked the Hajipur-Jandaha road in protest. A heavy police presence, including officers from five stations and fire brigade units, was required to manage the situation. It was only after prolonged negotiations, concluding around 1:45 am, that the roadblock was lifted, and the bodies were transported to Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination.
