New Delhi (Agency): In a tragic incident on Wednesday, fifteen individuals were electrocuted and numerous others injured at a site for the Namami Gange project in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, according to an official report. The project, located on the banks of the Alaknanda river, experienced an accident at a power transformer which led to the fatalities and injuries.
Among the dead were three home guards and one police officer. NK Joshi, the District Disaster Management Officer of Chamoli, reported that the police had initially arrived at the location to investigate a single electrocution incident involving a worker from Tuesday evening.
Unexpectedly, while the police were at the scene, a sudden surge of electricity occurred at the same location. This incident impacted both the police on duty and spectators who had gathered around, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
V Murugesan, the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), confirmed to PTI that the death toll stands at 15. He added that a thorough investigation into the incident is currently ongoing.
The injured victims have been rushed to the district hospital, with some being airlifted by helicopter to AIIMS-Rishikesh for immediate medical attention.
Reacting to the sad event, the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives. He stated that a magisterial inquiry has been ordered to fully understand what led to this tragic occurrence.
The Namami Gange project, where this unfortunate event took place, is a significant initiative aimed at cleaning and preserving the Ganges river, which is of great cultural and religious importance to the people of India.