World

9 killed as rockslide destroys bridge in northern India

July 25, 2021
Nine people were killed by a landslide in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday as boulders fell and hit the vehicle they were traveling in. — Courtesy photo
Nine people were killed by a landslide in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday as boulders fell and hit the vehicle they were traveling in. — Courtesy photo



NEW DELHI — Nine people were killed by a landslide in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday as boulders fell and hit the vehicle they were traveling in.

The vehicle was carrying 11 people and the two others, as well as a passer-by, were injured, Reuters quoted Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) as saying.

ITBP teams rushed to the spot near Badseri village in the Kinnaur district of hilly Himachal Pradesh state to conduct a rescue operation.

In a video posted on Twitter, large boulders can be seen striking parked vehicles before causing a bridge to collapse.

The chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jairam Thakur, described the incident as "heart-wrenching".

Taking to Twitter, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.

He added that all arrangements are being made to treat those injured in the accident, wishing them a speedy recovery.

The Indian prime minister also announced financial compensations for the victims of the deadly landslide.

He added that all those affected would be given access to a government relief fund.

Thakur, meanwhile, said an emergency operation was underway to provide immediate assistance to the victims.

Some of those killed were from the capital, Delhi, and were visiting the popular tourist village Chitkul, the Hindustan Times newspaper reported.

It is not yet clear what caused the incident, but warnings of possible landslides had been issued due to predicted heavy rainfall. — Agencies


July 25, 2021
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