Bhopal, April 3 (IANS) A tragic accident claimed the lives of a woman and a seven-year-old child, while leaving two others with severe burn injuries, when a tractor-trolley carrying a Banjara family came in contact with a high-tension electricity line in the Kolaras area of Shivpuri district in Madhya Pradesh on Friday.

The incident occurred while the family was travelling on a dirt track from Deharda village towards Dodyai to collect fodder.

Long iron pipes, approximately 10 feet in length, fixed on the trolley to carry more fodder, struck sagging overhead high-tension wires.

The powerful electric current instantly surged through the vehicle, electrocuting the occupants.

Leela Bai Banjara (30) caught fire as the current ignited her saree and died on the spot. Her seven-year-old son, Anil, who was with her, was also engulfed in flames and succumbed to his injuries.

The tractor driver, Vinod Banjara (27), and Kesar Bai were thrown off the vehicle due to the shock. Both sustained serious burn injuries and are undergoing treatment in critical condition at a hospital.

The victims belonged to a Banjara family from Khedli village in Rajasthan’s Baran district.

They had set up a temporary camp near the toll plaza in Kolaras and were engaged in their annual practice of purchasing fodder from local fields to sell for their livelihood.

Eyewitnesses from a second tractor-trolley following behind immediately rushed the injured to the hospital. Doctors declared the child dead on arrival.

Police said the high-tension wires at the spot were hanging low and partially hidden by surrounding trees, making them difficult to notice. The iron pipes protruding from the overloaded trolley became the direct cause of the fatal contact.

SDOP Kolaras Amarnath Verma said, “This is a very unfortunate and preventable accident. The police have registered a case and launched a detailed investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that the low-hanging wires and the protruding iron pipes on the trolley led to the tragedy.

“We are examining whether proper safety clearances were maintained for the power lines. Action will be taken against anyone found negligent. We appeal to farmers and vehicle owners to be extremely cautious while moving tall equipment near power lines,” he said.

–IANS

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