A major accident shocked devotees in Tamil Nadu after a towering 60-foot temple chariot toppled during a late-night religious procession in Vellore, leaving seven people seriously injured and hospitalized. The incident happened during the famous Mayana Kollai celebrations, one of the region’s most intense and historic temple festivals.
What Happened in Vellore Chariot Mishap
Picture this: hundreds of excited villagers pulling a towering wooden chariot under the stars. It was part of the famous Mayana Kollai festival from Kazhinjur village near Katpadi. Around midnight, as they tugged it from the dry riverbed up to the road, the giant structure wobbled and crashed sideways. About 10 folks got trapped under it, but quick-thinking locals and police pulled them out fast.
The seven most hurt rushed to Government Medical College Hospital in Adukkamparai. Doctors say they have serious wounds, but no lives lost so far. By February 17 morning, officials checked on them, promising a full probe to stop repeats.
This wasn't just any cart—think a five-story house on wheels, carved with gods and draped in flowers. Festivals like this pull crowds because they mix faith, music, and community spirit.
Mayana Kollai Festival Explained Simply
Mayana Kollai is Vellore's big bash each year, like a river picnic with divine vibes. Held on Palar River sands, it honors village gods from places like Virudhambattu, Kazhinjur, and Mottur. Deities ride these huge chariots in processions, with drums beating and lamps glowing.
Why the river? Legends say it's where gods "play hide and seek" with offerings. Devotees dance, sing folk tunes, and share feasts till dawn. This 2026 event drew thousands on Sunday evening, but the Kazhinjur chariot's tumble stole the spotlight.
Fun fact: These aren't new traditions. For generations, families pass down stories of miracles here. Kids grow up dreaming of pulling the ropes one day, feeling that team pull like a big family hug.
Why Did the 60-Foot Chariot Topple
Balance gone wrong. The chariot, way taller than rules allow, tipped as it climbed from the sandy riverbed. Rough ground, heavy weight, and maybe crowd push played roles. Government caps temple chariots at 12 feet, but festival ones often hit 60 feet for grandeur.
Eyewitnesses saw panic—screams, dust flying, hands reaching to lift the fallen beast. Videos on social media show the chaos, with the idol safely grabbed and carried home by villagers.
Past slips hint at patterns. In 2023, a Mottur chariot plunged into the same riverbed. Nationally, wind, wires, or overload cause many such falls, like Bengaluru's 2025 case where one died.
Officials Swing into Action After Crash
District Collector Subbulakshmi led the charge, visiting the site and hospital. She met victims, asked about pains, and ordered a deep check. Superintendent of Police Sivaraman and Revenue Divisional Officer Senthil Kumar joined, grilling organizers on safety skips.
Key orders: No more tall chariots without checks. Better paths, ropes, and crowd plans now must-haves. Organizers face heat if rules ignored again. This quick response calmed angry villagers, who praised the hospital team's non-stop care.
As of February 17, 2026, no new injuries reported. Hospital updates say the seven stable, with some walking soon. Families camp outside, praying and thanking helpers.
Victim Updates from Feb 17, 2026 Hospital
Names trickle in slowly out of respect. Most from Kazhinjur, ages 20s to 50s, strong pullers of the ropes. Injuries: broken bones, cuts, crushes. One man, a dad of three, fights chest pain; docs optimistic.
No kids or elders hit hardest, a small mercy. Community raised funds overnight for medical bills. By noon Feb 17, first discharge talks started. Full recovery eyed in weeks, per local reports.
Heartwarming: Rival villages sent food, fruits to bedsides. Shows Tamil Nadu's tight-knit spirit shines even in tough times.
Government officials moved fast after the Vellore chariot topple on February 16, 2026. District leaders stepped in right away to check the mess and help the hurt folks. Their steps aim to fix safety gaps and calm worried villagers.
Collector Leads On-Site Checks
District Collector Subbulakshmi hit the Palar River spot first thing. She walked the sandy crash area with her team, eyeing the fallen 60-foot wooden giant. Notes taken on shaky ground and pull ropes helped spot early fixes.timesofindia.
She chatted with eyewitnesses, jotting down what went wrong during the midnight tug. No blame tossed yet—just facts for a smart probe. This hands-on style builds trust in small towns like Kazhinjur.
Hospital Visits for Injured Pullers
Right after the site, Subbulakshmi rushed to Government Medical College Hospital in Adukkamparai. She sat by each of the seven beds, asking about pains and care needs. Promises made for free treatment and quick home returns.
Doctors got nods for extra staff and scans. Families felt heard, sharing tears and thanks. Such personal touches turn panic into partnership.
Police Superintendent Joins Probe
Superintendent of Police Sivaraman brought his crew to secure the area. They marked the tilt path, grabbed chariot bits for tests, and quizzed organizers on build secrets. No arrests so far—focus on why rules got bent.
Crowd control tips shared for leftover fest nights. Lights added to dark river paths. Cops now train locals on safe pulls during off-seasons.
Revenue Officer Pushes Safety Orders
Revenue Divisional Officer Senthil Kumar grilled event planners at the scene. He pointed out the 12-foot height cap from state rules, ignored for tradition's sake. Organizers now face must-do lists: engineer checks, route maps, and crowd limits.
Fines hinted if probe pins faults. New plans due by next full moon fest. This shakes old habits gently but firm.
Official Inquiry Kicks Off
A full probe launched same night, led by collector's office. Teams dig into wood strength, wheel setup, and bank slope tricks. Report eyed by Feb 20, with tips to dodge repeats statewide.
VIDEO: 60-Foot Temple Chariot Topples in Tamil Nadu During Mayana Kollai Festival, Many Injuredhttps://t.co/oZ9IB6428f
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) February 17, 2026
Final Thoughts on Vellore Resilience
From chaos under stars to calm in hospital halls, Vellore proves tough times forge tougher ties. Seven heroes mend while leaders mend ways— a win wrapped in worry.
This 60-Foot Chariot Crash isn't an end; it's the spark for smarter celebrations. Faith flows free when feet stay firm. Stay tuned for recovery tales that inspire.
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