60 Injured As Two Loco Trains Collide In Uttarakhand's Chamoli

At least 60 people were injured after two loco trains collided inside a THDC tunnel in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district Tuesday night.

At least 60 people were injured after two loco trains collided inside a THDC tunnel in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district Tuesday night.

The accident occurred at around 9:30 pm when two trains were moving through the tunnel carrying people to the worksite. About 109 people were on board at the time of the accident. A sudden technical malfunction is believed to have caused one train to ram into the other from behind.

Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar said, "During the time of shift-change, two loco trains operating in the tunnel collided at around 9:30 pm last night. 109 people were on board the trains, out of whom 60 were injured. 42 people are admitted to the district hospital and 17 people are admitted to Pipalkoti's Vivekananda Hospital."

The accident occurred in a stretch where tunnel construction and related technical work are going on. Preliminary reports suggest a mechanical failure led to the mishap, but the district administration and project authorities have ordered a detailed probe to determine the exact cause.

All the injured were rushed to the nearest government hospital.

Upon receiving information about the incident, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami contacted the Chamoli District Magistrate to assess the situation and directed officials to ensure that all injured persons receive the best possible medical care, including transfers to higher medical facilities if required.

Meanwhile, Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar and Superintendent of Police Surjit Singh Panwar promptly reached the district hospital in Gopeshwar after learning of the accident. They met the injured labourers undergoing treatment, reviewed their condition, and instructed the medical staff to ensure timely and comprehensive care.

The Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project is a 444-megawatt project being constructed on the Alaknanda River between Helang and Pipalkoti in Chamoli district.

The project is designed to generate 111 megawatts of electricity through four turbines and is targeted for completion by next year.

(With Agencies' Inputs)