In a tragic incident, at least sixteen people died and several others were injured due to an explosion in a transformer in Chamoli district on Wednesday. According to the police, the incident occurred on the banks of the Alaknanda River. Speaking to the media, Chamoli SP Parmendra Dobhal confirmed the incident and said that the injured are being treated at the District Hospital.
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Kumar said that an outpost in-charge of Pipalkoti was among the people who lost their lives. The accident happened due to the current flow in the sewer treatment plant of the Namami Gange Project on the banks of the Alaknanda River. Earlier, it was reported that at least 20 people sustained injury in the incident.
PM condoles death:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of people in the electrical accident in Chamoli, Uttarakhand. The Prime Minister wished the injured persons a speedy recovery and informed them that the local administration under the State Government is providing all possible relief assistance to the victims.
PM Modi has sanctioned an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs for the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the seriously injured in the Chamoli incident from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund: DM Chamoli.
Compensation declaration by CM Dhami:
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has given instructions to provide Rs 5 lakh to the dependents of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh to the injured. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called CM Dhami and inquired about the Chamoli incident. The Prime Minister's Office has also been given complete information about the incident.
People injured due to electrocution at the under-construction Namami Gange project on the banks of the Alaknanda River in Chamoli have been brought to AIIMS Rishikesh by helicopter for treatment.
Policemen among people killed
Uttarakhand ADG (Law and Order) V Murugesan said that 15 people, including a sub-inspector and three home guards, were electrocuted. He further stated that investigations into the incident are underway.
Magisterial inquiry ordered
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also expressed his condolence on the incident. He said that orders to conduct a Magisterial inquiry have been given. "It is a sad incident. The 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," the Chief Minister added.
