Tragedy struck the Ratha Yatra (chariot procession) in Bogura town this afternoon, as at least five people were electrocuted and 30 others suffered injuries.

The incident occurred in the Seujgari Amtala area around 5:15pm on Sunday, confirmed by Bogura Sadar Police Station chief Saihan Oliullah.

The deceased have been identified as Atashi, Ranjita, Sabita, Alok, and Naresh, though their ages are yet to be determined.

Every year, Lord Jagannath's chariot procession begins in Seujgari and culminates at the Banani Shiv Temple before returning to Seujgari.

However, this year, tragedy struck before the procession reached Banani. According to several eyewitnesses, the Ratha's steel dome made contact with an overhead electric wire, electrocuting those holding it and causing the dome to catch fire.

Videos circulating on social media depict the sudden shift from festive joy to panic as screams of "fire" erupted. The scene quickly turned chaotic as people fled for safety while others bravely attempted to aid in the rescue efforts.

Those standing or hanging onto the chariot were electrocuted upon impact with the cable and were immediately transported to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital.

The collision caused a fire and produced a large amount of smoke, leading to the sudden collapse of several victims, including women and children,before the situation could be grasped.

Bogura Civil Surgeon Md Shafiul Azam confirmed that 35 of the injured were admitted to the Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical college hospital,with an additional five taken to Government Mohammad Ali Hospital.

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