The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its probe into the tragic stampede that claimed four lives during a temple event in Tamil Nadu's Karur district, with ambulance drivers now appearing before investigators for questioning.
Drivers Face Intensive Questioning
Multiple ambulance drivers who were present at the scene of the devastating incident have been summoned by the federal investigation agency for detailed interrogation. The drivers appeared before CBI officials on Tuesday as part of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances that led to the fatal crush.
The tragic event unfolded on April 28, 2024 during a temple festival at the Sri Mariamman Temple in Kondayampatti, Karur district. What began as a religious celebration quickly turned into a nightmare when overcrowding and chaotic conditions led to a deadly stampede.
Four Lives Lost in Temple Tragedy
The stampede resulted in the deaths of four individuals, all women, who were crushed in the massive crowd that had gathered for the temple event. The victims were identified as local residents who had come to participate in the religious festivities.
Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, with multiple ambulances rushing to transport the injured to nearby medical facilities. However, the sheer scale of the crowd and the chaotic conditions hampered rescue efforts, according to initial reports.
Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as thousands of devotees tried to exit the temple premises simultaneously. The narrow pathways and limited exit points contributed to the dangerous situation that ultimately led to the loss of lives.
CBI Takes Over Investigation
The case was transferred to the CBI following demands from victims' families and political parties who raised questions about the local administration's handling of the event and the subsequent investigation. The federal agency registered a case and began its probe to determine responsibility for the tragic incident.
Investigators are particularly focused on understanding whether proper safety protocols were followed during the temple event. Key areas of investigation include crowd management measures, emergency response planning, and the adequacy of security arrangements for the large gathering.
The questioning of ambulance drivers represents a crucial phase in the investigation, as their testimony could provide vital information about the immediate response to the stampede and the conditions they witnessed at the scene.
Local authorities had initially conducted their own investigation into the incident, but the transfer to CBI indicates the seriousness of the case and the need for an independent, comprehensive probe. The agency is expected to examine all aspects of the event organization and emergency response.
As the investigation continues, the community in Karur remains in mourning, with families of the victims seeking justice and accountability for the preventable tragedy that cut short four lives during what should have been a day of religious celebration.
