The low-key Thrissur Pooram witnessed a horrific incident when two Thiruvambady Devaswom Board members died after a Banyan tree branch fell on them. The deceased are Ramesh (56) and Poonkunnam Radhakrishnan (65). Both are members of the Thiruvambady Devaswom Board.
According to reports, the incident took place during Madathilvaravu Panchavadyam (orchestra of five instruments) near Brahmaswom Madam at 12:20 am. Reportedly, the tree branch collapsed and fell over the Panchavadyam team. Electricity in the area was snapped as the branch fell on the electricity line. Following this, there was confusion and chaos. Due to the chaos, one elephant reportedly ran amok but the mahout managed to calm it down.
The rescue operations were slow as it was dark and there was no electricity. The district collector and police chief rushed to the spot after the incident came to light. Police and the fire and safety department were helping with the rescue operations. The fireworks were cancelled following the incident.
According to reports, nearly 25 people sustained injuries in the incident. Few police officers assigned to the Pooram duty and media personnel covering the event also suffered injuries. The condition of one of the injured is reportedly serious. Reportedly, 18 out of 25 injured are currently undergoing treatment in various hospitals in Thrissur. The remaining were discharged as they had minor injuries.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that the Thiruvanbady and Paramakkevu Devaswom Boards will conduct the ‘Pakalpooram’ on Saturday despite the incident.
