Tragedy strikes festival in southern India: Two injured as wooden pole falls during procession
by Aditi VermaA festive atmosphere turned somber in southern India’s Andhra Pradesh as two individuals lost their lives when a ‘Sirimanu’ pole collapsed during a procession.
The incident took place in Kuppili village, Srikakulam district on June 18.
Visuals showed amidst a dense crowd, a priest was ascending a tall wooden pole, performing rituals with fervor, when suddenly, the structure gave way and the priest fell down. The bustling atmosphere around the ‘Sirimanu’ festival, witnessed a large gathering, with onlookers and participants engrossed in the religious procession.
The incident occurred during a local deity festival procession in Kuppili village, Srikakulam district, where devotees were participating in the traditional procession of ‘Sirimanu’. The victims, identified as Laxman and Palleti, were fatally injured when the long wooden pole used in the procession suddenly broke and fell on them.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with immediate efforts made to rescue the injured. Both individuals were rushed to a nearby hospital, but tragically succumbed to their injuries. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the pole’s collapse.
The ‘Sirimanu’ festival, known for its religious fervor, has now been overshadowed by the untimely deaths of two participants. The community is in mourning as arrangements are made for the final rites of the deceased.
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures during cultural festivities, prompting calls for stricter regulations to prevent similar mishaps in the future.