10 kanwariyas dead, many injured in van electrocution in Cooch Behar

West Bengal:10 kanwariyas dead, many injured in van electrocution in Cooch Behar

10 kanwariyas were killed and 19 others injured when a pick-up truck carrying passengers towards Jalpesh was electrocuted in West Bengal's Cooch Behar on Sunday night.

The passengers were taken to the hospital where 16 were referred to Jalpaiguri Hospital for treatment.

"They were shifted to Changrabandha BPHC. The attending doctor referred 16 to Jalpaiguri District Hospital for further treatment. They have minor injuries but need thorough examination," police said.

"The attending medical officer declared 10 dead," the police added.

According to the police, the incident may have occurred due to the wiring of the generator of the DJ setup in the vehicle.

"In the middle of the night, an incident took place at TDharla Bridge under Mekhliganj police station when a pick-up van carrying Kanwariyas en route to Jalpesh got electrocuted. According to a preliminary investigation, the incident was caused by wiring. The generator of the DJ system is mounted on the back of the vehicle," said Amit, Additional Superintendent of Police, Madhabanga. Verma said.

He informed that all concerned passengers have been accommodated in the Sitalkuchi Police Station area and their families have been informed about the tragic incident.

"The vehicle has been impounded but the driver is absconding. Senior officials are on the spot. Police are coordinating relief and necessary assistance," Verma said.

Further investigation is underway in this regard.

West Bengal | 10 people died & others got injured when the vehicle in which they were traveling got electrocuted in Cooch Behar.Preliminary inquiry reveals that it might be due to wiring of the generator (DJ system) which was fitted at the rear of the vehicle: Mathabhanga Addl SP pic.twitter.com/m6xhU9DtaG

— ANI (@ANI) July 31, 2022