Transformer blast near Alaknanda river kills 15 in Uttarakhand's Chamoli

A transformer explosion near the Alaknanda river in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, led to the electrocution deaths of 15 people, including policemen and home guards, July 19.

The incident happened at the location of the Namami Gange project, reported ANI.

What happened

Several individuals sustained injuries from electrocution at the under-construction site and have been airlifted by helicopters to AIIMS Rishikesh for treatment.

The Additional Director General of Police, Uttarakhand, V Murugesan, confirmed that 15 individuals including a police sub-inspector and five home guards, lost their lives in the explosion.

"An investigation into the matter is currently underway, and preliminary findings suggest the presence of current on the railing. Further details will be unveiled as the investigation progresses," Murugesan told ANI.

The tragedy comes amid heavy rainfall and rising water levels in Uttarakhand's rivers.

Red alert for Uttarakhand districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for the region, including flood alerts for Chamoli, Haridwar, and Rudraprayag areas.

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams reached the accident spot. 

Following the tragic accident, Uttarakhand state health minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat is headed to the location to assess the situation and the ongoing investigation. 

The Haridwar District Magistrate has declared a high alert in the city as the water level in the Ganga exceeded the warning level of 293 metres on Sunday due to damage to a sluice gate at the Bhimgoda barrage near Hari Ki Pauri.

A woman and a girl were swept away by the strong current of the east Nayar river while they were bathing in Uttarakhand's Pauri district, on Monday.

Uttarakhand and the hills of North India have been battered by heavy, at times incessant rainfall over the past few weeks.

Also Read: Scary videos show North India hills and plains devastated by monsoon mayhem

Also Read: How the Yamuna shaped Delhi and Delhi destroyed it