People Suffocate & Faint at Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri, Rushed to Hospital
The Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of India’s most revered and iconic festivals, has been marred by reports of devotees feeling suffocated and fainting during the celebrations in Odisha’s Puri district. According to state Minister Mukesh Mahaling, the incident occurred due to the high humidity in the air, which caused a few devotees to collapse. Rescue teams quickly responded to the situation, rushing the affected individuals to the hospital for medical attention.
The incident took place during the ongoing Rath Yatra, which is a nine-day festival celebrating the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. The festival is a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of devotees from across the world to Puri, Odisha. This year’s Rath Yatra has been particularly notable for the large crowds that have gathered to participate in the festivities.
The video footage of the incident shows ambulances racing to the scene, with devotees making way for them to pass through the crowded streets. The footage also captures the urgency of the situation, with rescue workers and medical professionals tending to the affected individuals.
The exact number of people affected by the incident is still unclear, but reports suggest that several devotees were rushed to the hospital. The cause of the collapse is attributed to the high humidity in the air, which made it difficult for people to breathe. The situation was quickly brought under control, with rescue teams and medical professionals working together to provide assistance to those in need.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a significant cultural and religious event in India, and the incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of devotees participating in the festival. The authorities have taken prompt action to address the situation, ensuring that those affected receive the necessary medical attention.
In a statement, Minister Mukesh Mahaling expressed his concern for the well-being of the devotees affected by the incident. “Due to high humidity, one or two devotees collapsed. The rescue teams took them to the hospital immediately,” he said. The minister also praised the quick response of the rescue teams and medical professionals, who worked together to provide assistance to those in need.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India, and the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of devotees participating in the festival. The authorities have assured that measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring that the festival remains a joyous and safe celebration for all.
As the Rath Yatra continues to unfold, devotees and festival-goers are advised to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being mindful of one’s surroundings and taking necessary precautions to prevent accidents and injuries.
In conclusion, the incident at the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri district is a sobering reminder of the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of devotees participating in the festival. While the incident was a concerning development, the prompt response of the rescue teams and medical professionals ensured that those affected received the necessary medical attention. As the festival continues, devotees and festival-goers are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being.
