JAMMU: A massive landslide hit a mega power project site in Kishtwar of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, killing a JCB driver and trapping several others under the debris.
Five injured have been rescued while a massive rescue operation is on, officials said. Officials said that a massive landslide hit at an under-construction Ratle Power Project site on Saturday evening in which one JCB driver initially got trapped and some people rushed to help the trapped driver, during which fresh landslides fell through resulting in several also getting trapped.
"A massive joint rescue operation is underway and police and army teams have also been rushed to the spot," they added.
The deceased has been identified as Manoj Kumar who died on spot due to land slide during work at Ratle Project Drabshalla.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Dr Devansh Yadav said, "The landslide took place this evening resulting in some people trapped in. One body has been retrieved while five injured too have been rescued."
"2-5 more persons are feared trapped under debris," DC Kishtwar said, adding, "District Administration, Police, army and locals of the area have launched a massive rescue operation and it is still on."
He added more details are awaited.
Meanwhile Union Minister Jitendra Singh said a rescue team of about six people also got trapped under the debris.
"Spoke to DC Kishtwar, J&K on receiving the report of a fatal landslide at the site of the under-construction Ratle Power Project. JCB driver unfortunately died. A rescue team of about six persons, deputed to the site after the incident, has also got trapped under the debris."
"All efforts being made to retrieve and save the trapped persons. Further assistance, as required, being provided. I am in constant touch with the District administration, Dr Singh tweeted.
