A devastating accident marred the opening day of Navratri celebrations in the Ramnagar area of Bagaha, situated within Bihar's West Champaran district. Devotees heading to the Don Canal near Khatauri village for ritual water collection suffered severe electric shocks after coming into contact with an 11,000-volt high-tension overhead cable. The incident resulted in the immediate death of two children on the spot, while more than a dozen other minors sustained serious burn injuries, triggering panic and distress across the area.
Procession Met With Disaster Near Don Canal
Residents from Sasraw village, falling under the jurisdiction of the Bhairoganj police station, had organized a ceremonial kalash yatra to collect sanctified water from the Don Canal for temple kalash sthapana on the first day of Navratri. During the procession, a minor standing on a trolley holding a religious flag inadvertently made contact with the overhead 11,000-volt electrical wire. The powerful electric surge immediately traveled across the vehicle, striking the other children who were travelling aboard the same trolley.
Injured Minors Undergoing Medical Care
Two children succumbed instantly to the severe electric discharge. The remaining injured youngsters were quickly evacuated to the Ramnagar Community Health Centre, where doctors began emergency treatment. Confirming the casualties, Ramnagar SDPO Satyendra Ram stated that two children lost their lives and over a dozen suffered burn wounds, with medical personnel continuously attending to the survivors.
Public Anger Over Sagging Overhead Lines
The tragedy sparked intense anger among village residents, who blamed the electricity department for egregious negligence. Local citizens pointed out that the road serves as a vital thoroughfare connecting two separate villages, yet the high-voltage 11,000-volt power cable had been hanging dangerously low for some time. They asserted that this hazardous sag was the sole reason the flag struck the live conductor. The untimely loss of two young lives on the very first morning of the festival has plunged their grieving families and surrounding communities into deep mourning.
