Madhya Pradesh: Muharram procession turns tragic in ratlam as Tazia Touches High-Tension Wire, 3 Dead
A Muharram procession in Madhya Pradesh"s Ratlam district turned into a scene of devastation late on Thursday night when a Tazia carrying a metal framework touched a high-tension electricity line, killing three people and leaving more than ten others injured.
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A Muharram procession in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam district ended in tragedy after a tall metal-framed Tazia came into contact with an overhead high-voltage power line late Thursday night. Three people lost their lives while more than 10 others suffered severe burn injuries, several of them critical. Authorities have launched an investigation amid allegations that the power line was hanging dangerously low.
The incident occurred around 11 pm in Hatnara village under the Piplauda police station limits, a day before Muharram observances. According to police and eyewitnesses, the procession was moving through the village when the tall Tazia came into contact with an overhead high-voltage power line.
The moment the structure touched the live wire, a powerful electric current passed through its metal frame, electrocuting those carrying it and others standing nearby. Witnesses reported a loud explosion followed by sparks, panic and chaos as people collapsed to the ground.
Two men died on the spot, while a third succumbed to his injuries while being shifted to another hospital. The deceased have been identified as Rashid Khan (32), Saddu Hussain (40) and Arbaaz Khan.
More than ten people sustained burn injuries and electric shocks in the incident. Several of them were rushed to Ratlam Medical College and nearby hospitals in private vehicles before emergency services reached the area. Officials said at least five of the injured were reported to be in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses said nearly 150 to 200 people had gathered to witness the procession. As the Tazia moved out of the Mewati Mohalla area, it reportedly struck a high-tension power line hanging at a height of around 15 feet.
Rashid Khan, Saddu Hussain, and Arbaz Khan killed and at least 9 injured in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, after a tall tazia structure during a Muharram procession in Hatnara village touched an 11kV high-tension power line.
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"Nobody understood what had happened. There was a loud blast and people started falling. Many suffered electric shocks instantly," an eyewitness said, adding that several victims suffered severe burn injuries after coming into contact with the electrified structure.
Ratlam Additional Superintendent of Police said police and district administration officials rushed to the spot immediately after receiving information about the accident. Preliminary findings indicate that contact between the Tazia and the overhead power line triggered the electrocution.
Doctors at Ratlam Medical College confirmed that the three victims had suffered fatal injuries before reaching medical facilities. Hospital authorities continue to monitor the condition of the injured, several of whom remain under intensive treatment.
The tragedy has also raised questions over electrical safety arrangements in the area. Residents and eyewitnesses alleged that the high-voltage line was hanging unusually low, increasing the risk of such an accident. Local villagers have demanded accountability and a review of safety measures for religious processions passing through the route.
The district administration has ordered an inquiry into the incident. Investigators are expected to examine whether there was any lapse in maintaining the mandated height of the power line and whether adequate precautions had been taken before the procession.
Police have begun recording statements of witnesses while officials from the electricity department are assisting in the investigation. Authorities said a detailed report will determine whether negligence on the part of any agency contributed to the tragedy.
The incident has sent shockwaves through Hatnara village, where mourning families gathered outside hospitals and homes of the deceased as the community prepared for Muharram amid grief and loss.