Organisers Ignored Threat of Live Wires in Ramanthapur Mishap
Families mourn young victims, question safety of festive processions under wires
Hyderabad: When a festive chariot can turn deadly just by touching overhead wires, how safe are our processions? Families of those who died in the Ramanthapur tragedy on Sunday night are asking why such dangers are ignored, when year after year, tall chariots and idols pass through the same streets under these lines.
All five victims were young men — none above 40. The youngest, Krishna Yadav, was only 24. Srikanth Reddy (35), Suresh Yadav (34), Rudra Vikas (39), and Rajendra Reddy (39) also died on the spot due to electrocution when the temple chariot of the Sri Krishna Shobha Yatra came into contact with overhead wires in Ramanthapur.
“The festivities were supposed to end with joy, but they ended in death. How can this be considered safe? If wires continue to hang like this, why are such dangers ignored? With Vinayaka Chavithi coming up, these processions will also turn dangerous. We cannot risk more lives,” said Nageshwar Rao, a family member of Srikanth Reddy and former corporator of Ramanthapur.
He added that Srikanth’s post-mortem would be conducted after two days, once his brothers arrive from the US. Families and friends of the deceased were inconsolable.
Kiran M, brother of Rudra Vikas and an eyewitness, explained how the tragedy occurred: “The chariot had stopped, and about 10 of them tried to push it forward. Suddenl,y the wires touched the top and in seconds, they all collapsed. We tried CPR, we did everything we could, but nothing worked. I was there and couldn’t do anything to save him.”
Praveen, a close friend of Rudra Vikas, said in a trembling voice, “Rudra was always the first to take part in every celebration. We never thought this festival would be his last. I still can’t believe I won’t see him again.”
Jagadish Yadav, brother of Suresh Yadav, was heartbroken as he recalled how his brother had just become a father. “Suresh’s baby is only three months old. How will that child grow up without a father? He was so excited about the child, and now this has happened. It is unbearable.” He added, “I don’t understand how such dangerous wires can be left hanging over roads where processions pass every year.”
Krishna Yadav’s family was equally shattered. His uncle, Mallesham, broke down, remembering their time together. “Krishna was like my own son. He was so young and had so much to see and do. Just yesterday, he sat with me, we laughed and planned for the future. Today, I had to see his lifeless body. I cannot believe this has happened.”
His cousin added, “He was full of life and dreams. He always brought everyone together in the family. Now there is only silence in our home.” “We were celebrating one moment, and in the next, we were watching our loved ones die,” said Raju, a friend of Rajendra Reddy.
