Shimla : Eight people were killed and six injured in a snowstorm in Rohtang area of Manali, 300 kms from here, official sources said on Friday.
"Eight labourers are feared to have been died after having been caught in a high velocity 'snow storm (spin drift) at Rani Nalla near Rohtang Pass (13,050 ft.)The incident took place around 1.30 pm when 73 people including labourers, locals and employees were returning from Lahau and Spiti district to Manali" B.M.Nainta, DC, Kullu said.
Seven victims out of eight belong to Jharkhand and were labourers who were stranded at various places in Lahaul and Spiti district.
"Six people who were injured have been rescued and admitted to local hospital. Others are safe," B.M.Nainta said.
Prabha Rau, Governor and Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister have expressed grief over the mishap and prayed Almighty to give peace to the departed souls and strength to the family members to bear this irreparable loss.
B.M. Nanta, Deputy Commissioner, Kullu said that ADM, Kullu had been positioned at Manali to monitor the relief and rescue operations. He said that ex-gratia grant was also being provided to the next of kin of deceased as per relief manual.
Meanwhile 100 other stranded people were airlifted from Keylong (district headquarters ) today. These people were stranded at various places from last 11 days.
"After airlifting 100 persons today, still 550 others are stranded in the district . We have requested the government to run the chopper service tomorrow also," Birendra Sharma , Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Keylong, said .
