Four festival goers were killed and five injured after a crane carrying people toppled over at a packed celebration.

A video of the tragedy shows people being suspended by the crane, which is attached to a truck and surrounded by a large crowd in India.

The truck and crane then begins to topple over, prompting festival goers on the ground to scream and flee.

The crane - which was carrying eight people - then hits the ground and people rush to check on those injured. 

The incident happened at Draupathi temple in Ranipet District, Tamil Nadu State, on Sunday at a religious festival. 

Victims were suspended at a height of about 25ft on the crane before being lowered to receive gifts from festival goers on the ground

The crane then falls on its side in front of shocked attendees.

The dead victims have been identified as Chinnasamy, 60, S Bhoopalan, 40, K Muthukumar, 39, and B Jothibabu, 17.

Police spokesperson Deepa Satyan said the crane was operating on uneven ground, which probably caused the vehicle to topple over.

The crane operator has been taken into custody as the investigation continues.

The dead victims have been identified as Chinnasamy, 60, S Bhoopalan, 40, K Muthukumar, 39, and B Jothibabu, 17.

Police spokesperson Deepa Satyan said the crane was operating on uneven ground, which probably caused the vehicle to topple over.

The crane operator has been taken into custody as the investigation continues.

In another tragic incident, a three-year-old had been walking home with her mother when her neck was slit by a kite string.

Despite being rushed to hospital she too tragically died, the TV station reported.

The festival sees revellers take place in deadly contests where they try to cut down other kites with their own kite string.