11 die of electrocution during Hindu religious parade in India

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) - At least 11 people were killed in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday morning when a vehicle decorated as a chariot came in contact with a power wire during a religious procession, officials said.

When the chariot, driven by Hindu religious devotees, touched an overhead transmission line in the Thanjavur district, 11 people were electrocuted, including two children, and 15 others injured, according to a government statement.​​​​​​​

The state government has ordered an investigation into the incident and announced compensation for the families of those who were killed and injured in the tragedy.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a statement that he was "deeply pained" by the mishap.

"My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I hope those injured recover soon," he wrote on Twitter while announcing compensation for the families of the deceased and also injured.