16 electrocuted at Namami Gange site in India's Chamoli when they touched Transformers

At least 16 people, including a police subinspector and five home guards, died after getting electric shock at a Namami Gange project site on the banks of river Alkananda in Uttarakhand's Chamoli on Wednesday. A transformer exploded at the project site and many people are feared to be trapped. Several people have suffered grievous injuries and are being treated at district hospital, local police said. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered a judicial probe into the mishap. The transformer was kept on the banks of Alaknanda and was being used for ongoing work of the Namami Gange project.

Local reports say that some people noticed a spark in the transformer and before anybody could react, it exploded.  According to news agency ANI, Pipalkoti outpost in-charge was among those who died in the mishap. Some reports also say that due to inclement weather, the power supply was severely affected in Chamoli. Though it has not been officially confirmed, reports say that those who lost their lives were working to resume power supply in the area. Five kanwariyas were electrocuted and several were injured when their vehicle came in contact with a high-tension overhead wire in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district, reported PTI.

The incident took place in the Bhawanpur area at around 8 PM.District Magistrate Deepak Meena said that five injured are undergoing treatment, and five died during treatment.