Over 600 fall ill due to heat, overcrowding during Puri Ratha Yatra
PTC News Desk: More than 600 devotees fell ill and required medical attention due to sweltering heat and overcrowding during Rath Yatra in Puri triggering a series of isolated health emergencies and minor injuries.
According to Puri Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Dr. Kishor Satpathy, several people reported minor injuries, vomiting and fainting-primarily due to overcrowding conditions.
"Most of them were discharged after receiving preliminary treatment at OPDs. There were no casualties, he added.
Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling attributed the surge in medical cases to the extreme heat and humid weather. "The primary reason behind the illnesses was the oppressive climate during the procession," he said.
Much of the disorder unfolded near the Balagandi area, where Lord Balabhadra’s chariot, Taladhwaja, was stuck for over an hour. The extended delay led to intense crowding, with several devotees getting injured while attempting to flee the packed area.
Volunteers from government and private groups responded quickly, helping to evacuate the injured and take them to nearby hospitals.
Officials explained that challenges in navigating a key turn caused the slowdown, which in turn intensified the congestion. The situation was further worsened by a large number of devotees entering restricted areas, obstructing the chariot's movement.
- PTC NEWS
