Namakkal: An 18-year-old devotee died, and another youth suffered serious injuries in a tragic accident during the annual chariot festival of the Arulmigu Arthanareeswarar Temple in Tiruchengode on Sunday.The deceased has been identified as Harshavardhan, 18, son of Govindaraja, of Tiruchengode town.“Harshavardhan was caught between the massive chariot wheel and a nearby wall, when the procession made a turn. He was rushed to the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital in Salem with severe injuries, but doctors declared him dead shortly after admission,” said health minister Dr KG Arunraj.Another youth, G Shashtikan, 19, a college student, who was also trapped in the accident, survived with severe injuries. He is undergoing intensive treatment at the same hospital, with special medical care ordered by the authorities.Meanwhile, expressing deep sorrow over the incident, chief minister C Joseph Vijay, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and relatives. He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh from the chief minister’s general relief fund to the family of the deceased.Tiruchengode town police have registered a case and initiated an inquiry.
