Five killed, 15 missing as dam overflows in Meghalaya
By IANSFriday, October 9, 2009
SHILLONG - At least five people were killed and 15 were missing after water from a dam flooded a hydro electric power project, trapping dozens of workers inside a tunnel in Meghalaya, officials Friday said.
The incident occurred late Thusrday at the Myntdu Leshka Hydro Electric Power Project in Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills district.
“We have so far recovered five bodies from the tunnel. The casualties occurred after the dam overflowed due to heavy rains and the water gushed into the tunnel,” Chief Project Manager of Myntdu Leshka Project Elias Lyngdoh said.
The 126 MW power project is being managed by the Meghalaya State Electricity Board.
“The death toll might rise as many more workers are trapped inside,” Lyngdoh said.
Rescue workers were trying to save the workers, he said.
“We are awaiting details from the spot. Information is coming in a trickle as the area is remote,” the official said.
