3 feared dead in landslide near Chassana

Excelsior Correspondent

REASI, Sept 16: Three persons are feared dead as a major landslide took place this morning near Avtar Morh, around four kilometres from Chassana where work on proposed Buddhal-Mahore-Gool National Highway was going on.
Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Vishesh Pal Mahajan told the Excelsior that rescue operation was going on at war footing and two persons are stated to be trapped under the landslide debris.
Reports said that the landslide took place around 7:30 AM near Avtar Morh and several vehicles are believed to be buried under the debris, which spread in large area severely disrupting road transportation and causing significant damage.
A dumper with registration number JK20C- 4939, driven by Rakesh Kumar (25), son of Krishan Chand from Salal Arnas, was caught in the landslide while a local Head Constable, who was passing on the road by foot also came under debris. The Policeman was identified as Bhajan Singh, son of Pritam Singh, hailing from Chassana. He was on election duty in Mahore.
Witnesses claimed that another man, yet to be identified, was also feared trapped under the debris and fate of the trio was unknown.
Till last reports came in, rescue operation was still going on, but body of none was recovered so far due to the extensive debris, which will require time to be cleared.
“Immediately after the mishap, men and machinery were pressed into service and SDM Mahore along with SDPO and other officers from Police as well as Civil administration are camping at the site for inspecting the rescue operation,” said DC Reasi.
As the landslide took place where earth cutting work for proposed Buddhal-Mahore-Gool National Highway was going on, men and machinery of the construction company were on the spot.