Representative image of a dead body.
Credit: iStock Photo
Bengaluru: A 24-year-old man participating in the historic Huskur Madduramma fair died after a chariot more than 100 feet tall toppled due to strong winds on Friday near Rayasandra, according to police.
The deceased has been identified as Lohith, a resident of Huskur, a city located on the southern outskirts of Bengaluru.
Three others were injured, with two reported to be out of danger, while one remains in critical condition, police said.
The incident occurred around 6 pm when thousands had gathered for the traditional week-long celebration of the Madduramma deity. The mishap took place when devotees, following tradition, were pulling the chariot towards the temple. Lohith was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared brought dead. A 16-year-old girl sustained serious injuries.
In a similar fashion, another chariot arriving at the venue also toppled, but no injuries were reported. However, several vehicles were damaged in the incident. This second chariot that overturned near Doddanagamangala, according to police. Both chariots had been coming from the Parappana Agrahara area toward Anekal, police added.
Police teams immediately arrived at the site and conducted a preliminary investigation.
CK Baba, superintendent of police (SP) for Bengaluru rural, told DH that initial findings and videos suggest that the incident was caused by weather conditions.
The area experienced a spell of rain and strong winds, which triggered the chariot's fall. Baba confirmed that further investigations will be conducted, and a decision will be made regarding the filing of an FIR. If any fault is found in the event's organisation, the police will charge the organisers under BNS Section, which deals with death by negligence.
The Mudduramma fair, which has a history of over 100 years, attracts lakhs of devotees, including many from Tamil Nadu. The transport department makes necessary arrangements to accommodate the large influx of visitors. As part of the tradition, farmers from the outskirts bring their tractors and oxen to pull the chariot. Several tractors were also damaged in the mishap, according to the police.