GILGIT: Three labourers were killed and ten injured in an explosion during rock blasting at the Diamer-Bhasha Dam construction site, police said.

Around eight to ten labourers were working at the site within the Dodishal police jurisdiction on Friday at the time of the blast.

Police said labourers were preparing explosives for blasting when it accidentally exploded due to a short circuit at the site.

Two labourers died on the spot while one inju­red later succumbed to his injuries.

The decea­sed hailed from Hunza, Nagar and Gilgit districts of Gilgit-Baltistan.

10 labourers injured in accident at Diamer-Bhasha Dam site

Talking to Dawn Diamer SP Muhammad Ayaz said the injured were shifted to a hospital in Chilas where they are said to be in stable condition. Two critically inju­red workers were later moved to Islamabad for treatment.

The SP added similar explosions have taken place at the site in the past as well as tonnes of explosive materials were used for the dam’s construction.

Four injured were lo­­c­als, while three belo­n­ged to Punjab and three to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the police added.

Mr Ayaz added that an investigation will be conducted to identify the negligence that resulted in the explosion.

Wapda Chairman reti­red Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani has announced a compensation of Rs500,000 for the families of deceased and critically injured, while Rs200,000 will be given to minor injured.

The Chinese contractor, Power China, working at the site has also announced financial support for the victims as per the company’s the policy.

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2023