Two persons were killed and over 20 were injured after a branch of a banyan tree fell over them during the Thrissur Pooram festival in the wee hours of Saturday.
According to sources, the incident occurred around 12.30 am when a percussion performance was going on near a banyan tree. The two dead were identified as Ramesh Nadathara and Radhakrishnan Paniyath, both attached to festival committee of the Thiruvambadi Devaswom. Those injured were admitted to nearby hospitals. Condition of the two was reported to be critical.
Owing to the Covid-19 second wave, the Thrissur Pooram at Thekkinkadu ground premises of the Vadakkunnathan temple was scaled down. A major tragedy was averted as public was not allowed at the Pooram. Only those associated with the rituals and ceremonies were present.
The mishap occurred during 'Madathil Varavu', an event associated with the Pooram. Owing to the sound of the percussion performance the noise of the tree branch breaking went unnoticed. Many people were trapped beneath the branch that fell. Other participants, police and Fire and Rescue Service personnel carried out the rescue operation.
An elephant taking part in the event ran amok following the melee. But it was brought under control immediately averting further tragedy.
The Pooram ceremonies were supposed to go on till Saturday morning with fireworks, but following the mishap the events were cut short.
Last year's Pooram was also reduced to rituals only owing to Covid. This time also there was strong demand to reduce the Pooram to rituals.
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