Chamoli, Uttrakhand, 19th July 2023: An electricity transformer explosion on the banks of the Alaknanda river in Uttarakhand, a state in northern India, has resulted in the tragic loss of fifteen lives. Among the victims are a police official and five home guards from Chamoli district. Prompted by this incident, Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state’s chief minister, has initiated an inquiry into the matter. Additionally, at least fifteen individuals have sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the main hospital in the district.

According to Pramendra Dobhal, the superintendent of police in Chamoli, the incident occurred last night but was only reported to the authorities on Wednesday morning. The transformer explosion caused the electrification of a bridge spanning the river. A call was received from the village reporting the unfortunate incident of a watchman’s death due to electrocution. Upon investigation, the police discovered that twenty-one individuals had suffered electrocution and serious injuries. Sadly, fifteen individuals succumbed to their injuries in the hospital, while the remaining victims remain in critical condition,” stated Mr Dhobal.

India often witnesses cases of fatalities resulting from electrocution due to inadequate wiring and infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for improvements in these areas.