During the Mayana Kollai temple festival in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, a tragic incident occurred when a 60-foot-high chariot lost its balance and overturned onto a crowd of devotees. This event took place around midnight as the participants were traditionally pulling the chariot towards the Paalaru River. The unexpected disaster caused panic and chaos among the gathered devotees.

Reports indicate that the chariot, elaborately decorated for the festival, suddenly became unstable and collapsed, leading to injuries among the devotees who were in proximity to the structure. Local authorities have confirmed that at least seven individuals sustained injuries as a result of the incident, necessitating medical attention and emergency response efforts.

This accident highlights the potential hazards associated with large public gatherings and cultural celebrations, urging organizers to ensure better safety measures during future events to prevent similar occurrences. The local community is in shock as they grapple with the aftermath of this incident during a time that is meant for celebration and religious observance.