Chennai, 17 February (H.S.) : A festive celebration turned into a major accident in Vellore on Monday night when a 60-foot-high temple chariot toppled during the Mayana Kollai festival, leaving at least seven people injured.

The incident occurred around 11:40 pm near the Palar River area as the decorated chariot from Kazhinjur was returning to its original position following ceremonial rituals. The injured victims were immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital for medical treatment.

According to local reports, the procession involved several chariots carrying deities to the Palar River near the Vellore New Bus Stand. While moving toward the overpass road after the evening rituals, the massive 60-foot structure suddenly tilted and collapsed.

More than ten people who were riding on the chariot at the time became trapped underneath the debris, leading to a chaotic scene as they cried out for help. Local residents, firefighters, and police personnel acted swiftly to conduct a rescue operation and pull the trapped individuals to safety.

Following the accident, Vellore District Collector Subbulakshmi and Superintendent of Police Sivaraman visited the site to assess the damage and oversee the investigation. The authorities are currently looking into the cause of the collapse to determine if there were any structural failures or logistical lapses during the procession.

The unfortunate event caused widespread panic among the thousands of devotees gathered for the festival and resulted in the temporary disruption of the remaining proceedings.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary