Yamunanagar, July 22 — Two kanwariyas were killed and two others injured on Tuesday morning after their pick-up truck, fitted with a tarpaulin cover supported by an iron rod, came into contact with a high-tension electricity wire in Jathlana area of Yamunanagar district.
The deceased have been identified as Kuldeep (40) and Harish (35), while Rinku and Sumit — all residents of Gumthala village — sustained injuries in the incident.
According to Satish Sharma, a member of the pilgrim group, they were en route to a temple near the Yamuna river when the tragedy struck. “We had just started moving when suddenly the vehicle was jolted. It all happened in a flash,” he said.
Police and emergency teams reached the scene shortly after the incident and rushed the victims to the district civil hospital. Kuldeep and Harish were declared brought dead.
Sub-inspector Rajinder Singh, who is leading the investigation, said the group had erected a tarpaulin canopy over the vehicle using an iron rod. “The rod came into contact with a high-tension wire overhead, causing a powerful electric discharge. A blast followed, and the truck’s tyres burst. Two of the men were trapped inside and died on the spot, while two others managed to leap out,” he said.
He added that post-mortem examinations were being conducted at the civil hospital.
The group was on the kanwar yatra, an annual pilgrimage during the Hindu month of Shravan. Police are reviewing the route and overhead wiring in the area to prevent further incidents.
