Chamoli train accident: Over 100 injured after two loco trains crash in THDC hydro project tunnel

Chamoli Loco Train Accident: At least 100 people were injured when two internal loco trains collided inside the THDC hydropower project area in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, on Tuesday night, officials told Reuters. The accident, which took place at Pipalkoti during a shift change, prompted a massive rescue and medical operation.

Loco train collision at THDC project in Pipalkoti

According to Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar, the collision took place around 9:30 pm inside a tunnel where the trains were operating. A total of 109 people were on board the two trains at the time of the accident.

Some of the injured were admitted to the district hospital, while others were transferred to Vivekananda Hospital in Pipalkoti for treatment. Officials said most of the patients are in stable condition.

Several workers suffer fractures, officials say

Chamoli Superintendent of Police Surjeet Singh said that four to five people sustained fractures in the collision. Security personnel and administrative officials have been deployed at both hospitals to assist the injured and monitor the situation.

“Two internal trains collided inside the project area. Our teams are present at the district hospital and Vivekananda Hospital to ensure proper care and coordination,” the SP said.

Separate bus accident in Almora claims several lives

In a separate tragic incident earlier, a private bus skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge in Uttarakhand’s Almora district. The bus was travelling from Bhikiyasain to Ramnagar and was carrying around 17 to 18 passengers, according to the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

Initial reports said six to seven people died on the spot, while several others were injured. The injured passengers were rushed to the Government Hospital in Bhikiyasain for medical treatment.

CM Dhami calls incidents ‘painful’, orders monitoring

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described the accidents as “deeply painful and heart-wrenching”. He said the administration is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring medical assistance to the injured.

The Chief Minister also expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and directed officials to provide all possible help to the affected passengers.

Rescue and relief operations continued in both districts as authorities worked to assess the cause of the accidents and ensure the safety of workers and commuters.

Inputs from agencies