JAIPUR: The toll in the transformer explosion in Rajasthan's Khatulai village rose to 14 today, police said.
A transformer had exploded in the Khatulai village near Shahpura town of the state yesterday, killing five persons and injuring several others.
Medical Superintendent of SMS Hospital, D S Meena, said nine persons, who were sustaining severe burn injuries, succumbed while undergoing treatment at the SMS Hospital here late last night.
"Women were performing 'Bhaat ceremony' (pre-wedding function) when the incident took place. Five persons had died on the spot and 22 others were rushed to the SMS Hospital. Out of the 22, nine more deaths, mostly that of women, were reported late last night. The casualties also included a pregnant lady. Three persons were discharged and ten are undergoing treatment," DSP Shahpura, Bhag Chand Meena, said today.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has ordered a high-level probe into the incident after meeting the victims at the SMS hospital here.
Jaipur district collector Siddharth Mahajan announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for kin of the deceased.
"The Jaipur Vidhyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JVVNL) will give Rs 5 lakh to family of the deceased and additional Rs 5 lakh will be provided through CM relief fund," he said.
Congress leader Sachin Pilot called the incident unfortunate and said the explosion took place due to non-maintenance of the transformer.
"It is a very unfortunate incident and a high-level probe should be ordered to identify the people responsible for the negligence," he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, villagers and local leaders thronged the area in protest against the electricity department for alleged criminal negligence.
The bereaved families also refused to send the bodies for postmortem, until an investigation was ordered and adequate compensation announced.