Two die, several injured in stampede during Chithirai festival celebrations in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai
India Today
Two people died and several others were injured as a stampede broke out during the Chithirai festival celebrations in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai. According to initial reports, 24 people were injured and five of them are being treated for life-threatening conditions.
Two people were killed and several injured after a stampede happened during the Chithirai festival celebration in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai on Saturday morning.
Chief Minister MK Stalin issued a statement saying Rs 5 lakh would be given as ex gratia for the family of the deceased victim, Rs 2 lakh each for those grievously injured and Rs 1 lakh each for those with minor injuries. The fund for the same will be released from the CM'S relief fund.
For close to two years, the Chithirai festival, a very famous festival in Tamil Nadu, was not held in public due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year, with Covid-19 relaxations, the festival is being conducted in full swing. The festival that started on April 12 has so far seen people from different parts of the state thronging Madurai city to get a glimpse of the celebrations.
During the morning celebration on Saturday, April 16, a stampede broke out due to the swelling crowd and a 60-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man were killed.
According to initial reports, 24 other people were also injured, and they have been admitted to the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai for treatment. Five of the 24 are being treated for life-threatening injuries and conditions.
Madurai officials have also set up a helpline number for the public to provide information about the victims by posting photos of the victims. The helpline number is 9498042434.
