A 46-year-old woman died after a horrifying accident in India in which she fell into a huge container of scalding hot stew while helping prepare food for a religious festival.
The victim, identified by local media as Sujatha, was assisting with preparations for an annadanam, a free community meal, in Vijayawada in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, September 20.
Sujatha was helping with food being prepared for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations when the accident occurred.
Reports from the scene say organizers were moving a large vessel filled with hot sambar when Sujatha apparently lost her balance and fell into it. Sambar is a hot lentil-and-vegetable stew commonly served throughout southern India.
CCTV footage from the cooking area appears to show two women handling the large vessel moments before the accident. People nearby immediately rushed toward Sujatha and pulled her to safety.
The disturbing surveillance footage has since circulated widely online. NDTV published video from the scene, showing the moments surrounding the accident.
Sujatha suffered severe burn injuries and was rushed to a government hospital in Vijayawada, according to the Times of India. Doctors attempted to save her, but she later died while undergoing treatment.
NDTV reported that she died Monday after being hospitalized following the Sunday accident.
Police have now registered a case and are investigating exactly how the accident happened.
Authorities are reportedly collecting information from witnesses and examining the circumstances surrounding the temporary cooking operation, including how the massive container of hot food was being moved when Sujatha fell.
At this stage, local reports have described the death as an accident. There has been no public indication that anyone has been criminally charged.
The tragedy happened during preparations connected to Vinayaka Chavithi, another name commonly used for Ganesh Chaturthi, the Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha.
Community meals are a major part of many religious celebrations in India. Annadanam roughly refers to the charitable offering of food, with volunteers often preparing enormous quantities for worshippers and members of the surrounding community.
In this case, that tradition turned into a devastating scene within seconds.
Sujatha was reported to be a resident of Vijayawada’s Chittinagar area. Local outlets said her death has shocked relatives and members of the community who had gathered for what was supposed to be a festive occasion.
The investigation remains ongoing as police try to determine whether conditions around the cooking area or the way the vessel was being handled contributed to the fatal fall.
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