Rockslide in Himachal's Kinnaur kills nine tourists

Tribune News Service
Shimla, July 25

At least nine tourists were crushed under massive boulders that slid down a hill following a landslide near Batsari in the tribal district of Kinnaur on Sunday.

They were part of a group of 11 tourists who were on their way from Sangla to Chitkul when a boulder hit their vehicle. 

At least two people are reportedly wounded.

Extending his condolences to those killed in accident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said all arrangments are being made for the treatment of the injured.  

हिमाचल प्रदेश के किन्नौर में भूस्खलन से हुआ हादसा अत्यंत दुखद है। इसमें जान गंवाने वाले लोगों के परिजनों के प्रति मेरी हार्दिक संवेदनाएं। दुर्घटना में घायल हुए लोगों के इलाज की पूरी व्यवस्था की जा रही है। मैं उनके शीघ्र स्वस्थ होने की कामना करता हूं: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 25, 2021

A bridge over Baspa River was damaged in the rockslide, as were several vehicles. A video showed massive boulders sliding off the hilltop and heading straight toward the Bailey Bridge.

Rescue teams at the site say the still-sliding boulders are hampering operations.

The road is now closed for vehicles as well as pedestrians for safety reasons, officials said. Police have been stationed along the stretch. About 50 vehicles are stranded on the road.

Police said that the deceased were all tourists who had met during the trip. They're being identified, officials said. 

Local MLA Jagat Singh Negi has asked the government to provide a helicopter to help airlift the wounded to a hospital.

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