Fire walking ritual: 19 devotees sustain burn injuries

Nineteen devotees sustained burn injuries during the 'fire walking' ritual, held as part of the Mariamman temple festival here today, after they slipped and fell into the burning charcoal pit, police said.
The temple is located at Thenkudi in the district.
The accident occurred when one of the devotees fell into the pit and others behind him lost balance and fell on top of him.
The police and villagers managed to pull all of them out of the charcoal pit.
Three of the injured sustained serious burns, police said, adding that 11 persons were admitted to the government hospital here, while others were taken to a private hospital.

The 'fire walking' ritual was held as part of the annual temple festival in which devotees participate in large numbers to honour their vow to Goddess Mariamman.