3 missing, 4 injured in Kinnaur hydel power project accident
The incident took place at 9 pm when the penstock pipe suddenly burst and caused a flood while the locals were sleeping.
Three persons were reported missing and four others were injured when penstock pipe of 100 MW Soranng Hydroelectric power project, located at Sorang, Kinnaur, suddenly burst on Wednesday night.
"The incident took place at 9 pm when the penstock pipe suddenly burst and caused a flood while the locals were sleeping. Two security guards and a local were missing. They have either been washed away or buried in the muck. Five injured have been admited to Khaneri hospital," vice president of Rupi Panchayat, Baldev Negi said.
The powerful water after gushing out from the pipe also washed away a bridge and six makeshift houses.Dozens of livestock has also reportedly been washed away.Nearby Rupi village has lost contact with rest of the world after the bridge was washed away.
Locals said the pipe had already developed a crack but TAQA, an Abu Dhabi National Energy Company administration did not repair it despite the repeated requests made by locals.
Sorang power project is located at a distance of nearly 80 kms from district headquarters, Rekong Peo in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh.
The district administration has launched rescue operation to trace the three missing men.