Binika, Jul 7: A minor child was killed while three sustained serious injuries after coming under the wheels of chariots during the Bahuda Yatra celebrations in Binka town of Subarnapur district on Sunday.
The deceased has been identified as 12-year-old Pinku Meher, a resident of Thaupali village in Bargarh.
The accident took place around 4 pm near the Gundicha Temple in Kansaripada, where the chariots of Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra were being pulled as part of the deities’ return journey. A large crowd had gathered to witness the annual procession when the tragedy unfolded.
Reports indicate that four minors-three from Kansaripada and one from Nuapada-were caught under the wheels of one of the chariots. A devotee also sustained injuries, bringing the total number of casualties to five.
One of the injured minors is reported to be in critical condition and was shifted to the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in Burla for advanced treatment. The other three minors, along with the injured devotee, were admitted to the Binka Community Health Centre (CHC).
The incident has cast a shadow over the festivities, and local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.
