Transformer blast near Alaknanda river kills 15 in Uttarakhand's Chamoli
Tragic transformer explosion at Namami Gange Project Site in Chamoli, Uttarakhand (Photo Credit: PTI)
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.
#WATCH | Uttarakhand: People injured due to electrocution at the under-construction Namami Gange project on the banks of the Alaknanda River in Chamoli are being air lifted to AIIMS Rishikesh by helicopter for treatment. So far 15 people have died in this incident. pic.twitter.com/IdE7cN1JtP
— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2023
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.
"Around 15 people including a police sub-inspector & five home guards have died. Investigation is underway. Prima Facie reveals that there was current on the railing and the investigation will reveal the further details," says Additional Director General of Police, Uttarakhand, V… pic.twitter.com/ucNI2tFzZq
— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2023
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.
#WATCH | On Chamoli incident, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, says, "It is a sad incident. District administration, police, and SDRF have reached the spot. The injured are being referred to higher centre and are being shifted to AIIMS Rishikesh via helicopter. Orders have… pic.twitter.com/z4MbjI80rK
— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2023
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.
चमोली में करंट लगने से कई लोगों के हताहत होने का अत्यंत पीड़ादायक समाचार प्राप्त हुआ। दुर्घटना में घायल हुए लोगों को उपचार हेतु नजदीकी अस्पताल भेज दिया गया है।
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) July 19, 2023
इस दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण घटना की मजिस्ट्रियल जांच के आदेश दे दिए हैं।
ईश्वर से दिवंगत आत्माओं की शांति एवं घायलों के शीघ्र…
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.
Uttarakhand | The water level of river Ganga along with Alaknanda has increased due to the release of water from Srinagar's GVK Dam Project Company. The Ganga River rose by 20 meters in Devprayag and .10 meters by the time it reached Rishikesh. The district administration is… pic.twitter.com/HExbgnuFWk
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) July 17, 2023
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.