The injured are being carried by helicopter to AIIMS Rishikesh after being referred to a higher facility...
Digital Desk: Up to fifteen persons, including a police officer, were killed and several others suffered injuries when a transformer exploded while electrifying a bridge in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, on the banks of the Alaknanda River. Police and rescue teams arrived on the scene and started relief efforts after the injured persons were immediately taken to the hospital for treatment.
The bridge spans the Alaknanda River and is part of the Namami Gange project.
The incident occurred last night. An electrocution-related death of a watchman was reported to the police by the community. During the panchnama (spot inspection) with the villagers, many persons were electrocuted and suffered severe injuries.
"Around 15 persons, including five home guards and a police sub-inspector, have died. There is an investigation going on. The investigation will provide more information, according to prima facie evidence that there was a current on the railing," said the Additional Director General of Police in Uttarakhand to ANI.
CM ORDERING Uttarakhand PROBE A judicial investigation into the event has been ordered by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. In the accident, the outpost commander in charge of Pipalkoti also perished.
"This is an extremely regrettable situation. There are rescue teams, police, and the SDRF on the scene. Strict action will be taken against the guilty," the chief minister said.
The injured are being carried by helicopter to AIIMS Rishikesh after being referred to a higher facility. A magisterial probe has been ordered to be conducted, the speaker continued.
The accident has enraged the residents, who are accusing the energy corporation department employees of their carelessness and calling for punishment to be meted out to them.
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