In a tragic incident, five people drowned in the Tungabhadra River near Mantralaya in Karnataka on Tuesday. The victims, believed to be pilgrims, were part of a group that had ventured into the river for a holy dip. They were swept away by strong currents, leading to the fatalities.
Details of the Incident
The accident took place in the afternoon when a group of around 20 people from Andhra Pradesh had come to Mantralaya for a pilgrimage. They entered the river near the Mantralaya Raghavendra Swamy Math. Suddenly, the water level rose, and strong currents pulled several individuals downstream. Local fishermen and rescue teams immediately sprang into action, managing to save some, but five people could not be revived.
Rescue Operations
District authorities, including the police and fire services, rushed to the spot. Divers were deployed to search for any missing persons. The bodies of the deceased have been recovered and sent for postmortem. The identity of the victims is being established.
Karnataka Chief Minister expressed grief over the incident and announced compensation for the families of the deceased. He also directed officials to ensure strict adherence to safety measures at such pilgrimage sites.
This tragic event highlights the dangers of entering rivers without proper precautions, especially during the monsoon season when water levels can rise unexpectedly. Authorities have urged pilgrims to follow safety guidelines and avoid venturing into deep or unknown waters.
