Friday, Mar 29th 2024
Trending News

Kullu: 7 killed, many trapped as landslide hits Manikaran gurdwara

By FnF Correspondent | PUBLISHED: 18, Aug 2015, 18:16 pm IST | UPDATED: 18, Aug 2015, 18:16 pm IST

Kullu: 7 killed, many trapped as landslide hits Manikaran gurdwara

Kullu: At least seven people were killed and several feared dead after a landslide hit Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib in Kullu district on Tuesday afternoon.

A massive landslide from Gadagi village, located at a higher altitude, came crashing down on the gurdwara, situated between the Beas and Parvati rivers, burying several people alive. At least 15 pilgrims were injured in the incident but many were feared trapped.

"There was a heavy rush of pilgrims at the gurdwara and its surrounding areas when the landslide occurred," Thakur Chand, the village sarpanch, said.

According to sources, the landslide hit the langar hall (community kitchen) and serai (accommodation) of the gurdwara.

Kullu SDM rushes to Manikaran

Kullu sub divisional magistrate (SDM) Rohit Rathore, who was on his way to Manikaran, told Hindustan Times that seven bodies had been recovered from the rubble so far and the toll could rise. Nine of the injured had been sent to the Kullu civil hospital.

Police said the deceased were yet to be identified. The police have begun restricting traffic to Manikaran Sahib 2 km from the gurdwara so that relief and rescue are not hampered.

Pilgrims from Punjab and other states visit the shrine, braving the elements, every year during summer.