6 dead, 3 still trapped as fire breaks out at Srisailam Power Plant
A hydroelectric plant in Telangana's Srisailam caught fire late night and rescuers retrieved six bodies and nine people who were trapped inside the plant.
So far, the bodies of three assistant engineers; Sundar Naik, Mohan Kumar and Fathima have been recovered. The officials informed that they are still looking for three other employees trapped inside the Srisailam Left Bank Power Station run by Telangana State Power Generation Corporation.
The Telangana CM, K Chandrasekhar Rao ordered an enquiry by Crime Investigation Department into the cause of the accodent.
He expressed his sadness over the loss of lives in the fire. Describing it as unfortunate, KCR said all the efforts were made to rescue the trapped engineers and bring them out alive, but in vain. He expressed his deep condolences to the bereaved families.
Telangana Power Minister, G Jagadeeshwar Reddy, who rushed to the spot along with top TSGenco officials, said that "the fire erupted possibly due to short circuit in the electric panels of the power house and it spread to other parts of the power house."
"There were 30 employees of TSGenco inside the powerhouse when the accident took place late on Thursday night. While six employees were rescued and brought out of the tunnel, 15 others managed to come out through the emergency exit route of the project. However, nine others were trapped inside as thick smoke engulfed inside the tunnel, making it difficult for the rescue teams to reach the place." he added.
The rescued employees, including deputy executive engineer Pawan Kumar, plant junior assistant Ramakrishna, junior engineers Mathru, Krishna Reddy and Venkataiah and driver Palankaiah were shifted to TSGenco Hospital at Eegala Penta closer to the power house. They are out of danger.
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The power house was constructed in the huge tunnel under the Nallamala forests adjacent to the reservoir, which is presently brimming with heavy inflows into the river forcing the authorities to lift all the gates to discharge water.
PM Modi tweeted, 'Fire at the Srisailam hydroelectric plant is deeply unfortunate. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope those injured recover at the earliest.'
Union Home Minister, Amit Shah said, 'Deeply anguished to learn about the loss of lives due to tragic fire accident at the Srisailam hydroelectric plant in Telangana. My deepest condolences are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest.'
-PTC News
