The accident occurred before the journey began when the tall iron entry gate suddenly collapsed, injuring over 30 spectators. The incident occurred last night at Raisunguda under Salepur police station in Cuttack district.
Small children were among the injured. Medical teams admitted 20 injured people to Salepur Group Health Centre, with six critically injured individuals shifted to Cuttack for advanced treatment. Others received treatment and were discharged as their condition stabilized.
The Rajarani Yatra party has been staging the event at Raisunguda Shani Malada since last Friday. On Saturday night, just before the Yatra began, the entry gate fell as spectators crowded in. The gate’s collapse crushed several people beneath it, halting the event.
Witnesses reported that the gate collapsed under the pressure of too many spectators entering simultaneously. Some also claimed the gate had not been installed securely, raising questions about its stability. Authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause of the collapse.
In the aftermath, the Yatra was suspended, and efforts are underway to investigate the incident.