Major tragedy averted at Kwar HEP project

Ramban Nov 17: A major tragedy was averted on Monday after a fire broke out in a tunnel involving a tipper (dumper) at the under-construction 540 MW Kwar Hydro-Electric Power (HEP) project in Kishtwar district, where 39 workers were rescued, officials said.

According to official sources, the incident occurred when a (dumper) vehicle, bearing registration number JK17A-5734, caught fire inside the project tunnel.

As soon as information was received, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma ordered an immediate emergency response.

A fire emergency team, supported by additional rescue personnel, rushed to the spot and swiftly brought the blaze under control.

Authorities said that all 39 workers inside the tunnel were safely evacuated. The rescued individuals included 1 electrician, 5 welders, 19 helpers, 3 drillers, 4 drivers, and other supporting staff.

The district administration Kishtwar confirmed the fire incident and clarified that no casualties or injuries were reported.

It also refuted claims circulating in some media outlets, terming them as “incorrect, exaggerated, and inconsistent with the official statement.”

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh also posted an update on X, stating that he had spoken to the Deputy Commissioner.

“A tanker had got trapped in a tunnel at the site of the Kwar project. However, all the people trapped inside have been evacuated in time, thus avoiding any casualties. The news in certain quarters about casualties is unfounded and untrue,” he said.

Officials said normal operations at the project site were being reviewed, and a detailed assessment of the incident was underway.