Jammu, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) A landslide hit the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine track on Wednesday evening, but the yatra continued unaffected.

Officials said a landslide triggered by rain hit the Mata Vaishno Devi track atop the Trikuta Hills in Katra town of Reasi district on Wednesday evening.

The landslide forced temporary suspension of the battery car service, but the yatra to the shrine remained unaffected, with hundreds of pilgrims continuing their to-and-fro trek despite the landslide.

The officials said the landslide occurred near Himkoti on the new track leading to the shrine following heavy rainfall.

The Shrine Board immediately rushed men and machines to clear the debris from the route, they said.

The officials said the battery car service was temporarily suspended, while the yatra continued through the old route.

Mata Vaishno Devi, also known as Vaishnavi, Trikuta, and Sherawali, is a Hindu deity considered to embody the nature of Shakti and, at the Vaishno Devi Temple, is self-manifest as three Pindis, described as the goddesses Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati.

The deity is worshipped as an ascetic, vegetarian, and virgin goddess who is associated with Vishnu. Believed to be the Mahadevi, she is revered as a divine "Mother" who protects and grants boons to her devotees. She is also described in certain regional traditions as the eldest of the Seven Sisters, the goddesses of North India.

The Vaishno Devi Temple is a highly revered Hindu shrine nestled in the Trikuta Mountains in Jammu and Kashmir, at an altitude of 5,200 feet.

Dedicated to a manifestation of the Goddess Durga, the shrine requires a 13-kilometre trek (or helicopter ride) starting from the base camp town of Katra.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) An internal probe by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has revealed that permission to construct the three-storeyed warehouse at Taratala in south Kolkata, which collapsed last month killing 16 people, was granted before the mandatory soil-testing report had been submitted.

Apart from this, the internal probe also found that the mandatory structural design was not documented during the construction work, a KMC insider said.

"After examining various documents following the incident, several procedural lapses have been identified. At the same time, a high-powered committee of structural experts from Jadavpur University has observed that there were several fundamental flaws in the design of the structure," the KMC insider, aware of the developments, said.

He further said that investigations at various levels suggest the involvement of Kalicharan Bandopadhyay, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to former Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, in the alleged irregularities.

"It is evident that he influenced the process so that permission for the commencement of construction of the warehouse was granted despite the absence of proper documents and completion of the verification process," the KMC insider alleged.

On Tuesday, the West Bengal Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, announced a comprehensive relief package for the families affected by the Taratala warehouse roof collapse, including financial assistance, employment support, free medical treatment and educational aid for the victims' children.

At a programme held at Nabanna Sabhaghar in the state secretariat, the Chief Minister handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the 16 workers who lost their lives in the June 24 tragedy. Those injured in the accident received financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each.

The tragedy occurred on June 24 when the roof of an under-construction warehouse in Taratala, south Kolkata, collapsed, trapping several workers under the debris. According to official figures, 16 people were killed and more than 15 others were injured in the accident.

Source: IANS

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Porbandar, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) An Indian Navy's Drishti-10 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crashed near Dharampur village in Gujarat's Porbandar district on Wednesday during a training sortie, with the Navy confirming that no injuries or loss of life were reported on the ground.

In a post on social media platform X, the Indian Navy spokesperson said: "Indian Navy confirms the crash of Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle Drishti-10, off Porbandar airfield during a training sortie this afternoon. No injury or loss of life has been reported on ground. The cause of the incident is being investigated."

According to local sources, the UAV came down near Dharampur village after reportedly developing a technical fault. Following the incident, personnel from the Indian Navy, the local police and the fire department reached the crash site.

Authorities cordoned off the area as a precaution to prevent unauthorised access while recovery and examination of the wreckage were carried out.

The Navy has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Officials are expected to examine whether the incident resulted from a technical malfunction or another factor.

The Navy has not released any further details on the incident and preliminary findings.

The Drishti-10 is an uncrewed aerial vehicle operated remotely from a ground control station.

Such UAVs are used by the Indian Navy for a range of maritime surveillance and reconnaissance missions, including monitoring India's coastline and sea lanes, providing real-time intelligence and imagery, tracking suspicious vessels, and supporting search and rescue operations during adverse weather and maritime emergencies.

Residents of nearby villages reportedly rushed towards the site after hearing the impact of the crash, but emergency responders secured the area soon afterwards.

The crash is now under formal investigation, with technical experts examining the wreckage to establish the sequence of events leading to the accident.

Source: IANS

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Srinagar, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Three CRPF troopers were injured when their vehicle was hit by another vehicle in the Nowgam area on the outskirts of Srinagar, J&K Police said on Wednesday, adding that the driver involved has been arrested.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were deployed for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra near the Taingan Bypass in the Nowgam area. The injured paramilitary personnel belonged to the D Company of the force's 148th Battalion.

A police official said the driver involved in the incident was arrested shortly after the accident. The injured personnel were immediately shifted to Ujala Cygnus Hospital, Nowgam, where they are undergoing treatment, he said. Police have registered a case, and further investigation is underway.

Only last week, seven CRPF personnel were injured near the tunnel in Sonmarg area of Ganderbal district after the driver lost control on the wheel of their vehicle and it skidded off the road. The CRPF jawans were administered first aid on the spot.

The CRPF manages security on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) for secure, smooth passage of the Amarnath Yatra.

Ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, it has implemented a robust security plan to safeguard pilgrims travelling on the NH-44.

The CRPF also manages security from Jammu right up to the two base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam, in addition to the transit camps at Mirbazar in south Kashmir, and Saidpora and Manigam in north Kashmir, jointly with the J&K Police.

Source: IANS

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Ghaziabad, June 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Panic gripped a residential area in Ghaziabad on Wednesday after a fire broke out in a house near the Police Lines in Pratap Nagar, allegedly due to a gas cylinder blast, injuring an elderly woman, officials said.

Following the alert, multiple fire service vehicles were rushed to the spot, and firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control before it could spread further.

An elderly woman sustained minor burn injuries in the incident and was admitted to a hospital for treatment.

According to the Fire Department, the Kotwali Fire Station received information about the incident at around 11:33 a.m. on Wednesday. Soon after receiving the call, the Kotwali Fire Officer reached the location with a fire tender.

Another fire tender from the Collectorate, along with a Fire Quick Response Vehicle (FQRV), was also dispatched to assist in the firefighting operation.

During the initial investigation, officials found that the fire had originated from a gas cylinder kept inside a room on the ground floor of the house.

Firefighters immediately launched an operation using hose pipes and hose reels and, after a brief but intensive effort, succeeded in completely extinguishing the flames.

The incident left approximately 80-year-old Vimala Devi with minor burn injuries. She was immediately shifted to a hospital by the local police, where she is currently undergoing treatment.

Officials said the swift response by the fire service ensured that the flames did not spread to other parts of the house, preventing what could have turned into a major fire tragedy.

Authorities added that further necessary action in connection with the incident is being carried out.

Further details are awaited.

This comes close on the heels of the June 30 incident in the Adarsh Nagar Colony of Khoda in Ghaziabad after a transformer caught fire. The blaze quickly spread through nearby electric cables, with flames visible from nearly two kilometres away.

Upon receiving the alert, around half a dozen fire tenders were rushed to the spot, while additional fire engines from nearby fire stations also joined the firefighting operation. Police and fire personnel managed to bring the blaze under control.

Source: IANS

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Bhavnagar, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) A nine-year-old boy was killed in a suspected leopard attack in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district, marking the latest in a series of fatal wildlife encounters reported from the area in recent days.

The incident took place in Bambhaniya village of Mahuva taluka on Tuesday evening. The victim, identified as Nitya Gondaliya, had left his home at around 5:30 p.m. and was heading towards agricultural fields near Mobhiyana village when he was attacked by a wild animal.

According to a local police official, the attack is believed to have occurred at around 6.30 p.m. When the child did not return home, his family members and villagers began searching the surrounding agricultural fields and nearby forest areas.

"Villagers reported seeing two wild animals, including what appeared to be a leopard cub, during the search," the official told IANS.

However, officials have not yet confirmed whether the attack was carried out by a leopard or a lion. There are no CCTV cameras in the area to help establish the sequence of events.

After an extensive search, the child was found with severe injuries and was rushed for medical treatment. Doctors declared him dead on arrival.

The police official said the boy had suffered a torn left leg, multiple scratches across his body, injuries to his neck and elbow, and extensive head injuries, with part of the scalp torn away.

Forest department officials have launched an investigation and are examining footprints, photographs and other evidence to identify the animal responsible for the attack.

The boy's father, Prakash Gondaliya, said: "When I came home, my son was not there. After that, we searched the entire village. Then we went towards the forest and the farms to look for him. It was there that we found my son."

A relative of the family told IANS that this was the third such incident in the area in recent days.

"The boy's father found his body between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday after an intensive search. The animals seen in the area appeared to be wild leopards," he said.

The incident has left residents of Bambhaniya village in mourning and renewed concerns among local communities over repeated encounters between humans and wild animals in the region.

Source: IANS

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Jaipur, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Amid a growing number of road accidents on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, another tragic crash occurred early Wednesday morning on the day when Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari is scheduled to inspect the expressway, accompanied by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

The accident took place near the Jalimpura interchange in the Sultanpur police station area when a speeding dumper truck rammed into the rear of a stationary tourist minibus.

A passenger was killed on the spot, while more than half a dozen others sustained injuries. Four of the injured were referred to Kota in critical condition.

According to officials, the tourist minibus was carrying around 30 passengers who were returning to Delhi after visiting the Mahakal temple in Ujjain.

Preliminary reports suggest the passengers were employees of the Delhi Jal Board. One of the injured passengers said the mini-bus had stopped near the Jalimpura interchange when the speeding dumper crashed into it from behind. The impact was so severe that panic broke out among the passengers, with screams for help filling the scene. Local residents and bystanders rushed to assist, rescuing the injured from the bus and helping shift them into ambulances.

The deceased was identified as 50-year-old Charan Singh, who died on the spot. The injured include Kalpana, wife of Amar Singh Bhandari (Delhi); Guddi, wife of Mahesh Jatav (Delhi); Ombir, son of Nekliram (Baghpat); and Usha, wife of Bhagat Singh (Nainital).

After receiving first aid, all the injured were referred to Kota for further treatment.

Following the incident, personnel from the Sultanpur police station and the toll ambulance service reached the spot and launched rescue operations. Police documented the accident and cleared the damaged vehicles to restore traffic movement on the expressway.

Local residents also played a key role in assisting the victims and ensuring they received prompt medical attention.

The latest accident has once again raised concerns over safety on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.

Source: IANS

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Bharatpur, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Eight passengers were injured after a Rajasthan Roadways bus collided with a stationary sleeper coach on the Agra-Jaipur National Highway near Kadam Kunj Hotel in Rajasthan's Bharatpur, police said.

The injured passengers were rushed to the Raj Bahadur Memorial (RBM) Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment, officials said on Tuesday.

The accident took place around 4:30 p.m. under the jurisdiction of Chiksana police station when the Roadways bus rammed into the rear of a sleeper coach that had stopped after developing a technical fault.

According to the police, the sleeper coach was travelling from Bharatpur towards Agra when it broke down near Kadam Kunj Hotel.

The driver parked the vehicle close to the divider and was waiting for a crane to arrive for repairs when the Roadways bus hit it from behind.

The impact caused the sleeper coach to climb onto the road divider, while the windows of the Roadways bus were shattered.

Around 40 passengers were travelling in the Roadways bus, and nearly eight persons sustained injuries in the collision.

No passenger was present inside the sleeper coach at the time of the accident.

Traffic Circle Officer Narendra Kumar said that the injured passengers were shifted to the RBM Hospital and a crane was deployed to remove both buses from the highway.

"The Roadways bus collided with a private sleeper coach. Seven to eight passengers were injured and are being treated at the hospital. Both vehicles were later moved aside with the help of a crane," he added.

Passengers reportedly expressed anger over delays in ambulance services following the accident.

The collision also led to a major traffic jam on the Jaipur-Agra route, which was cleared after police removed the damaged vehicles and restored movement within around 30 minutes.

The driver and conductor of the Roadways bus reportedly left the spot after the accident.

Police are investigating the circumstances leading to the collision.

Source: IANS

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Jaipur, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Rajasthan School Education Department has directed officials across the state to take immediate action against unsafe school infrastructure, making it clear that there will be no compromise on student safety.

Additional Chief Secretary (School Education) Rajesh Yadav has instructed all District Education Officers to ensure the demolition of school buildings declared dilapidated as a priority and to strictly prohibit classes from being conducted in such structures.

Chairing a review meeting at the Education Complex auditorium on Tuesday, Yadav stressed that students must not be made to study either in unsafe buildings or in the open.

He directed officials to make immediate alternative arrangements to ensure uninterrupted and safe education wherever school buildings have been declared unsafe.

Yadav said the department is conducting a statewide survey of dilapidated school buildings in compliance with court directions. Based on the survey findings, necessary action will be taken to ensure that students are provided with a secure learning environment.

During the meeting, the department reviewed the progress of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), Swami Vivekananda Government Model Schools, PM JANMAN, special category schools, the State School Standards Authority (SSSA), and various civil infrastructure projects. Yadav directed officials to ensure the time-bound completion of all pending works.

RSCERT Director Shweta Phagaria briefed the meeting on the proposed establishment of the SSSA under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, highlighting the workshops conducted so far and the progress made.

State Project Director and Commissioner Rashmi Sharma advised officials to study SSSA models adopted by other states and incorporate best practices while developing Rajasthan's framework. She emphasised the need to create a transparent, effective, and quality-driven school standards system applicable to both government and private schools.

The meeting was attended by senior officials of the School Education Department, including Additional State Project Director Ashok Kumar Meena, as well as representatives from various departmental wings.

Source: IANS

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Jabalpur, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) A major tragedy was averted in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur on Tuesday evening when an old commercial building collapsed in the Bada Fuhara area amid heavy rain, with authorities attributing the absence of casualties to timely identification of the unsafe structure and its prior evacuation.

The collapse of the five-storey building in one of the city's busy market areas triggered panic, but the administration's preparedness ensured that no person was trapped under the debris.

Local BJP MP Ashish Dubey, who visited the spot, said the incident underlined the importance of identifying and removing risks posed by old structures, especially during the monsoon season.

He said it is fortunate that no casualties occurred, and that the district administration had identified this building as dangerous due to its old condition and the increased risks during the rainy season. The building was vacated before the collapse.

The building collapsed around 7.30 pm, after which police, the fire brigade, municipal officials, and ambulance teams immediately reached the site. The area was cordoned off, and rescue teams conducted searches to ensure no one was trapped.

He stated that the structure was being used for commercial purposes and stored business-related goods. It reportedly belonged to Raja Jain and Rakesh Jain, residents of the Kotwali area. The owners have been called by the administration, and details regarding the building's condition and ownership are being collected.

Dubey said the administration acted promptly after receiving information about the collapse. He told IANS that police, municipal and rescue teams reached the spot immediately, and the administration is monitoring the situation and debris removal is being carried out while ensuring public safety.

The incident occurred at a time when monsoon activity has intensified across Madhya Pradesh. Jabalpur witnessed heavy rainfall on Tuesday, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds at isolated places in several districts, including Jabalpur, over the next 24 hours.

The collapse has brought renewed focus on the safety audits of old, vulnerable buildings in urban areas during the rainy season. Local administrations across cities have been identifying dilapidated structures and taking preventive measures to minimise risks.

Source: IANS

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Srinagar, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday directed authorities to provide immediate relief to people affected by the cloudburst in the Thathri area of Doda district.

A press statement from the J&K Lok Bhavan said the Lieutenant Governor has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Doda to provide immediate relief to affected families.

The statement said the J&K L-G is closely monitoring the situation following the cloudburst.

He spoke to Deputy Commissioner Doda, Krishan Lal, and directed him to ensure immediate relief and assistance to the affected families and expedite restoration work.

In a post on X, the J&K L-G said he spoke with the DC Doda to assess the situation following the cloudburst in the Thathri region. While several houses and shops have suffered damage, fortunately no casualties or injuries have been reported.

He directed the DC to ensure immediate relief and assistance to the affected families and expedite restoration work, including the clearance of NH-244.

While many shops, residential houses, roads, and other infrastructure were damaged by the cloudburst, no loss of life occurred due to the natural disaster.

Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir has a long, vulnerable history of cloudbursts that trigger devastating flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous pockets like Bhalesa and Thathri. These sudden, intense downpours frequently sweep away local infrastructure, damage homes, and disrupt major transportation routes.

Besides today's cloudburst, other notable historical events and recurring incidents include a severe cloudburst in August 2025 that struck Doda district, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least four people.

The flash floods swept away several residential houses and pedestrian bridges, prompting widespread relief and rescue operations.

In June 2026, heavy rainfall triggered a localised cloudburst in Bandekhra Nalla near Thathri, resulting in significant debris flow. While there were no casualties, the event caused blockages and prompted authorities to issue localised weather warnings.

In July 2017, one of the most destructive cloudbursts hit Thathri town in the dead of night. The sudden deluge inundated vast areas, washed away several homes and shops, and trapped many residents, resulting in six fatalities.

The mountainous terrain and narrow gorges in Doda amplify the impact of sudden rains, often turning small streams into dangerous, debris-heavy flash floods.

Source: IANS

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Ujjain, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) One of the three labourers who were rescued after falling unconscious inside a sewer chamber during a sewerage project in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district on Tuesday died while undergoing treatment at a hospital, police said.

The two other labourers remain admitted and are undergoing treatment.

Their condition is said to be stable.

Confirming the deaths of one of the three labourers, Ujjain Superintendent of Police (SP) Pradeep Sharma said the incident occurred during sewerage work near Pipli Naka on the Bhairavgarh road.

"A sewerage project was underway in the area when two workers who entered the sewer chamber felt suffocated. A third worker went inside to pull them out, but he also fell unconscious," Sharma told IANS.

According to the police, local residents alerted the authorities after noticing the workers trapped inside the chamber.

Police teams, along with local residents, carried out a rescue operation and pulled out all three labourers before shifting them to a hospital for treatment.

"They (labourers) were rescued with the help of police and local residents. They were sent to a hospital after being rescued for treatment. But unfortunately, one of them died during treatment," Ujjain SP Sharma said.

Police suspect the workers were overcome by toxic gases that had accumulated inside the confined sewer chamber.

However, the exact cause of death will be established after the post-mortem examination and the findings of the investigation.

The identity of the deceased has not yet been officially disclosed.

Authorities said the bodies of workers engaged in such hazardous operations are often exposed to poisonous gases if adequate safety precautions are not taken before entering confined spaces.

The Police have initiated an inquiry into the incident and are examining whether the labourers were provided with mandatory safety gear and whether standard operating procedures were followed during the sewerage work.

Statements of the contractor, site supervisors and other workers present at the spot are also expected to be recorded as part of the investigation.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of workers engaged in sewer cleaning and maintenance operations, where lapses in safety protocols continue to result in fatal accidents across the country.

Source: IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram/Wayanad, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) One person was killed, seven others were injured, and seven others were missing in the mudslide at the Wayanad end of the Anakkampoyil–Kalladi tunnel road project on Tuesday, Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said, terming it "a very unfortunate tragedy".

All of them are workers engaged in construction activities.

The mudslide occurred near Meenakshi Bridge at Kalladi, where the Wayanad end of the tunnel road project is under construction. Preliminary reports indicate that incessant rain triggered the collapse of massive heaps of excavated earth stacked at the site, burying parts of the work area.

The incident followed exceptionally heavy rainfall in Meppadi, which recorded 226 mm of rain in the past 24 hours.

The area is a popular tourist stop, and several private vehicles, along with a bus used to transport construction workers, were parked nearby when the mudslide occurred. Rescue personnel fear that people may still be trapped beneath the debris.

After chairing an emergency review meeting at the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) headquarters here, Satheesan said rescue teams are working despite incessant rain severely hampering operations.

"The latest information available with us is that one person has died, seven are in hospital, and seven others are missing. Rescue operations are continuing on a war footing," he told reporters.

In a significant disclosure, Satheesan said the authorities had repeatedly directed the construction company to remove the huge quantities of excavated earth that had been piled up at the site.

A formal government order to this effect had been issued on June 20, but the company failed to comply.

"Any project under execution has to strictly follow safety norms. It is extremely unfortunate that such an incident has occurred," he said, adding that Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar and Agriculture Minister T. Siddique had been directed to rush to Wayanad to supervise the rescue operations.

Talking to the media before leaving for the accident site, Siddique said preliminary findings pointed to the manner in which excavated earth had been dumped at the tunnel construction site.

"What is emerging from the spot is that the ongoing tunnel excavation and the storage of excavated earth at the site led to the disaster. Injured people are in hospital, and their condition is stable. Two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are reaching the site, while fire force personnel are already engaged in rescue operations," the minister said.

He said the initial assessment suggested that the mud had been stored in an unscientific manner despite concerns having been raised earlier.

"This is not a natural landslide. This is a man-made disaster," Siddique said, adding that the government would examine whether action had been taken after the earlier warnings.

While the heavy rain may have acted as the immediate trigger, the focus of the investigation is expected to centre on whether the dumping of excavated earth and lapses in safety measures significantly contributed to the disaster.

Wayanad Lok Sabha member Priyanka Gandhi also spoke to the Wayanad District Collector.

Source: IANS

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Maihar (Madhya Pradesh), July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) At least five people were killed and one sustained critical injuries after a speeding SUV rammed into the rear of a truck on National Highway 30 in Madhya Pradesh's Maihar district in the early hours of Tuesday, police said.

The accident occurred around 2 a.m. near Rigra village under the Nadan Dehat police station limits when the Mahindra XUV700, carrying six young men, crashed into a truck moving ahead of it.

The impact was so severe that the SUV was completely mangled, trapping all the occupants inside.

Police said Dial-112 teams, highway patrol personnel and local police rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. Five occupants were found dead, while one was pulled out with serious injuries and rushed to the Civil Hospital in Amarpatan.

After first aid, he was referred to the District Hospital in Satna, where he is undergoing treatment.

The deceased were identified as Ankur Patel (40), Mridul Patel (32), Vijay Patel (30), Harishankar Patel (25) and Shiva Patel (23). Four of them were residents of Tanaja village in Maihar district, while Shiva Patel hailed from Narora village.

The injured person has been identified as Om Patel.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the group was returning after attending the birthday celebration of Manoj Patel, Vice-President of the Amarpatan Janpad Panchayat.

Police said all those who died belonged to the families of former Independent MLA Lalji Bhai Patel and late Congress MLA Mathura Patel. Police suspect overspeeding and the driver losing control of the SUV to be the primary reasons behind the crash, though the exact cause will be established after investigation.

The SHO of the local area police (Nadan Dehat), Panchraj Singh, said, “Five people died in the accident, while one youth sustained serious injuries and has been sent to the hospital for treatment. A case has been registered, and an investigation into the cause of the accident has been initiated.”

The bodies were sent to the Maihar Civil Hospital for post-mortem examination. Traffic on the highway was briefly affected before being restored.

Source: IANS

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Jaipur, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Three children were killed, and their parents sustained critical injuries after an out-of-control trolley rammed into a family standing by the roadside in Jaipur's Shyam Nagar area on Tuesday morning, police officials said.

The tragic accident occurred near Hotel Highway King on the busy 200-Foot Bypass (Ajmer Road).

According to preliminary information, the speeding trolley lost control, broke through a metal roadside safety railing and struck five members of the family before coming to a halt.

The driver reportedly fled the scene immediately after the accident, officials added.

The deceased children have been identified as Ramesh, Ratan and Deepak. Their parents, Chandra Prakash and Kailashi, sustained serious injuries and were rushed to SMS Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment.

Police shifted the bodies of the three children to the SMS Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination. Eyewitnesses said the trolley was travelling at high speed when the driver lost control and hit the family members.

The vehicle crossed the road divider, smashed through an iron safety railing and ran over the family standing nearby.

The impact triggered panic in the area, with local residents rushing to rescue the victims before police and ambulance teams arrived.

Officials from the Shyam Nagar police station reached the scene shortly after receiving information about the accident. The injured were taken to hospital, while a crane was used to remove the damaged trolley from the road and restore traffic movement.

Police said the trolley driver fled after the accident, and a search has been launched to trace and arrest him.

Police have registered a case and are investigating the exact cause of the accident. CCTV footage from the area is also being examined to establish how the vehicle lost control.

The incident caused heavy traffic congestion on the 200-Foot Bypass for some time before normal movement was restored.

Source: IANS

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Visakhapatnam, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Indian Navy and the Coast Guard continued their search and rescue operation for six fishermen who went missing off the coast of Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam for the third day on Tuesday.

Two ships and two helicopters of the Coast Guard continued the search on the basis of information given by a fisherman, who was rescued by a cargo ship on Sunday.

The Navy and Coast Guard personnel were focusing their search around Gangavaram, where the fishing boat went missing.

Strong winds and rough sea were posing a challenge to the personnel engaged in the operation.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has been continuously monitoring the search and rescue operation. He directed the officials to widen their search and extend the radius.

Inspector General of Police Gopinath Jatti was supervising the search and rescue operations from the regional operations centre of the Coast Guard.

He briefed the Chief Minister that despite inclement weather, the search operation was continuing for the missing fishermen.

Home Minister V. Anitha and Irrigation Minister K. Atchanaidu were coordinating the efforts at the field level.

A group of seven fishermen belonging to Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts had left in a boat for fishing from Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour on July 1.

As the sea conditions turned rough due to a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, their families had contacted them over mobile phones to alert them. The fishermen told their families they would return to the coast by the afternoon of July 4.

As they did not return and their mobile phones were found switched off, anxious families alerted the Coast Guard and Marine Police.

Kari Chinna, who owns the missing fishing boat, was rescued by a Panama-flagged merchant vessel, MV Universe Wealthy, on Sunday.

The Indian Navy airlifted him from the vessel to INS Dega on Monday evening. He was later shifted to KIMS ICON Hospital. According to doctors, he is in stable condition.

Chinna is likely to be discharged from the hospital in a couple of days.

Doctors quoted him as saying the boat capsized on Saturday at 3.30 p.m. He kept swimming to save himself and remained in the sea for about 18 hours before he was rescued by the crew of the merchant vessel around 9 a.m. on Sunday.

Meanwhile, on a complaint by families of the missing fishermen, coastal police registered a case and took up the investigation.

Source: IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram/Wayanad, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Tuesday held an emergency meeting with Agriculture Minister T. Siddique, who hails from Wayanad, following reports of a mudslide at the Wayanad end of the Anakkampoyil–Kalladi tunnel road project.

The Chief Minister directed that rescue and relief operations be coordinated on a war footing and instructed Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar and Agriculture Minister Siddique to proceed to Wayanad immediately to oversee the rescue efforts.

The incident occurred near Meenakshi Bridge at Kalladi, close to the tunnel construction site.

Preliminary information suggests the mudslide was worsened by huge mounds of excavated earth that had been stacked at the construction site.

Following incessant heavy rain over the past 24 hours, the loose soil gave way and came crashing down, burying parts of the work site.

According to reports from the scene, three people have been rescued so far and shifted to safety.

However, authorities suspect that more workers and visitors could still be trapped as rescue personnel continue the search.

The area is also a popular tourist stop, and a number of private vehicles were parked nearby when the mudslide occurred.

A bus used to transport construction workers to the project site was also parked in the area and is feared to have been buried.

Fire and Rescue Services personnel, police and other emergency agencies have launched rescue operations, while a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has been rushed to the site to reinforce the effort.

The incident comes after Meppadi recorded an exceptionally high 226 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours.

While the heavy rain is believed to have triggered the mudslide, officials are yet to determine the exact sequence of events.

The number of people trapped and the full extent of the damage are yet to be officially confirmed as rescue operations continue.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Delhi Police arrested the driver of a Mercedes car in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of a 29-year-old scooty rider near the Jahangirpuri Bus Stand on the Outer Ring Road in northwest Delhi, officials said on Tuesday.

The accident took place on July 5 near the Foot Over Bridge at the Jahangirpuri Bus Stand on the GTK Bypass stretch towards ISBT. Police said they received information about a road accident in which a scooty rider had sustained serious injuries. The victim was rushed to Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial (BJRM) Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

The deceased was identified as Deepak, a resident of Mangolpuri in Delhi.

According to Delhi Police, the investigation gained momentum after a PCR caller informed officers that a Mercedes car bearing registration number HR-51BT-6304 had hit the scooty before fleeing the spot.

“The vehicle was traced, and after serving notice under Section 133 of the Motor Vehicles Act to the registered owner, it was revealed that Ansh Pratap Singh was driving the vehicle at the time of the incident,” Delhi Police said.

Based on the findings of the investigation, police registered FIR No. 436/2026 at Jahangir Puri Police Station under Sections 281 and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), dealing with rash or negligent driving and causing death by negligence.

“The accused driver was identified and arrested. Further investigation is in progress,” Delhi Police said.

Police are also examining the circumstances leading to the accident and collecting additional evidence, including CCTV footage and witness statements, to establish the sequence of events.

The arrest comes after investigators tracked down the luxury vehicle using its registration details provided by the eyewitness who alerted the police through the PCR helpline. Officials said further legal proceedings will be carried out as the investigation continues.

Delhi Police have not yet disclosed whether the accused was under the influence of alcohol or whether any additional charges may be invoked, stating that the investigation is still underway.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, July 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) Three workers were rescued and taken to hospital after they lost consciousness inside an underground sewage tank during maintenance work at the U.N. Mehta Hospital campus in Ahmedabad on Monday evening.

Source: IANS

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Rajgarh, July 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) A five-year-old boy, his 11-year-old sister and their paternal aunt drowned in a deep stone crusher quarry in Madhya Pradesh's Rajgarh district on Monday, in a heart-rending tragedy that has once again raised concerns over safety at abandoned mining sites.

The victims were identified as Nikhra Pardi (5), Namrata Pardi (11) and their 35-year-old aunt, Sairabai Pardi, according to police.

The incident occurred near Biaora, when the children, accompanied by their mother, went to the quarry to bathe. According to police, the siblings entered deeper waters while trying to retrieve a ball that had fallen into the quarry. Their aunt jumped in to rescue them but also drowned.

"Three members of the same family died after drowning in a stone crusher quarry. The bodies were recovered during a rescue operation, and a case has been registered. We have initiated an investigation into the incident," Biaora City Police Station SHO Shivraj Singh Chauhan told press reporters.

The children's father, Sanesh Pardi, said the family, originally from Jammusar Kadaiya village in Bairasia, was living in the area for work. He said the children did not know how to swim, and that their mother somehow managed to come out of the water, but both children drifted into the deep quarry. He added that their aunt tried to save them, but she too drowned.

The tragedy triggered panic in the area as villagers rushed to the spot and alerted the police and district administration. Police personnel, assisted by local residents, carried out a rescue operation that lasted nearly an hour before all three bodies were pulled out from the water.

They were taken to the civil hospital in Biaora, where doctors declared them dead.

Confirming the sequence of events, the SHO said the bodies were handed over to the family after post-mortem examinations, and that further investigation is underway.

Locals alleged that several stone-crusher quarries in the area, some reportedly extending 100 to 200 feet deep, have become hazardous due to inadequate safety measures and unrestricted access.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, July 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) Continuous torrential rainfall has thrown life completely out of gear across Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and the wider Konkan region. Severe waterlogging has been reported from multiple areas, with rainwater inundating streets and entering residential spaces.

The ongoing monsoon fury has triggered several rain-related mishaps across the state, claiming at least 9 lives and leaving 4 others injured so far. According to government official reports, 8 casualties were caused by wall collapse incidents, while 1 person died due to a tree falling.

Of the wall collapse fatalities, 6 were recorded in the Mumbai suburbs, 1 in Pune, and 1 in Thane. Additionally, 1 death was registered in the Mumbai suburbs due to a fallen tree.

The heavy downpour, which has been pounding the region for the last three to four days, has severely disrupted daily commutes as several roads have turned into overflowing rivers.

In a tragic incident in Mumbai's Mankhurd area, six people were killed on the spot after a portion of a three-storey chawl collapsed. The structure had already been declared dangerous, and the mishap occurred while residents were packing their belongings in preparation for evacuation.

The victims include five young children and one woman, all of whom were crushed under the debris. Following the incident, the Mankhurd Police registered a case under Crime Register No. 425/2026 and have arrested two individuals in connection with the negligence.

Palghar district remains severely affected by the relentless downpour, with local rivers and streams overflowing. Major rivers in the district – including the Vaitarna, Tansa, Surya, Deherja, and Pinjal – are currently in a spate.

The Tansa River has breached its danger mark, while the Vaitarna River is flowing right at the danger level. Floodwaters from the Vaitarna have begun entering low-lying riparian villages. In response, the district administration has issued a high alert for all villages along the riverbanks.

In Alandi, Pune district, heavy morning rains gave way to light showers later in the day. However, continuous precipitation has left the Indrayani River flowing bank-to-bank, with floodwaters accumulating around the temple premises.

The flooding coincides with the upcoming Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage, as thousands of Warkaris (devotees) have already arrived in Alandi ahead of the processions of Saint Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Saint Tukaram Maharaj scheduled for tomorrow and the day after.

Given the precarious weather conditions, the local administration has repeatedly urged devotees to stay away from the riverbeds and ghat areas.

Furthermore, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis issued an important advisory, requesting incoming pilgrims to avoid travelling to Alandi or Dehu altogether under the current circumstances and instead join the Wari directly from Pune.

Monsoon disruptions have struck a massive blow to state transport, with traffic on the vital Mumbai-Goa National Highway remaining paralysed for over 32 hours. Thousands of commuters have been left stranded in the Raigad district segment of the highway.

The gridlock began on the morning of July 5 after heavy rainwater accumulated on the highway near Sukeli Khind, close to Nagothane. The resulting traffic jam has created tailbacks stretching 7 to 8 kilometres on both sides of the highway.

Stranded passengers have expressed immense anger and frustration over the complete lack of basic amenities, as they remain trapped with no access to food, drinking water, or restrooms.

In a brief sigh of relief for commuters further down the coast, a massive landslide that blocked the Mumbai-Goa Highway near Khavati village in the Khed taluka of Ratnagiri district was successfully cleared.

The Highway Construction Department cleared the enormous debris after 14 hours of relentless work using three Poclain excavators and JCB machines.

Following the clearance, vehicular movement has resumed, though traffic is being channelled at a cautious, slow pace. Heavy commercial vehicles, private passenger buses, and trapped light vehicles have finally started moving towards their destinations.

However, as heavy rain continues to lash the region, the administration has deployed standby emergency teams to monitor the site for potential secondary landslides.

Officials have urged drivers to remain highly vigilant and strictly adhere to all administrative safety guidelines.

Source: IANS

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Pune, July 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) Following widespread disruption across Maharashtra due to torrential rainfall, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) National Working President and MP Supriya Sule on Monday issued a sharp critique of the state administration.

Speaking to reporters in Pune, Sule demanded that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis immediately review the situation and declare a state emergency. Her statement comes in the wake of collapsed transit links between Mumbai and Pune, multiple landslides, an accident in Mankhurd, and severe infrastructure damage across the region.

Sule noted that heavy downpours are not a new phenomenon for Mumbai or Pune, but emphasised that the current level of infrastructure failure is unprecedented.

“Rain is not new to Mumbai and Pune; the state has witnessed heavy downpours before. However, the scenes we are witnessing today have never been seen before. This is deeply concerning. The Chief Minister must immediately assess the situation and declare a state emergency. Devendra Fadnavis needs to address the public and clarify the actual ground reality in Maharashtra," she stated.

She highlighted that the continuous downpour has shut down key arterial routes, including the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway, and the newly developed 'Missing Link' project. Furthermore, local train services have faced major disruptions, flooding has hit Alandi, and reports of landslides and caved-in roads are emerging from multiple districts.

Sule raised serious concerns regarding the engineering and safety standards of mega infrastructure projects, particularly the highly publicised Missing Link project on the expressway.

"This project was inaugurated with great pomp and show, and it was welcomed by everyone. However, the videos emerging from the site now are deeply shocking. Massive public funds were spent on this project, yet the expected results are missing. The government must answer: Was a proper safety audit conducted? Was there any planning to mitigate natural disasters?" she questioned.

She extended this criticism to ongoing projects in Vasai-Virar, Bhandup, Mumbai and other areas, alleging a lack of foresight regarding public safety and environmental impact.

Sule demanded a transparent, high-level inquiry into the total expenditure, safety clearances and disaster preparedness of these initiatives. With transit halted across the Tamhini Ghat, the Old Highway and the Expressway, Sule pointed out that connectivity between Maharashtra's two economic engines has effectively broken down.

"The entire state seems paralysed by a single spell of rain. In such a scenario, what happens to patients, doctors, students, or citizens travelling for essential or emergency work? The government must show some consideration for them," she added, accusing the ruling coalition of prioritising political vendettas over public safety and disaster management.

Shifting focus to national politics, Sule touched upon allegations of corruption regarding civic infrastructure near the Ayodhya temple, stating that since Lord Ram is a centrepiece of national faith, a thorough investigation is required.

She confirmed that the INDIA bloc would aggressively raise this issue in the upcoming Parliament session and discuss it at its next alliance meeting.

Finally, addressing rumours about a potential merger between the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) and the Indian National Congress, Sule dismissed the speculation. She noted that while both parties have worked together seamlessly on mutual trust for 27 years and will continue to work together, any talks regarding a formal merger are strictly confined to media speculation and have no basis in internal party discussions.

Source: IANS

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Pune, July 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) Following a landslide near the entry point of the Mumbai-Pune Missing Link project, Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Shivendrasinharaje Bhosale on Monday visited the spot to conduct an on-site inspection of the situation. Senior officials from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the police administration and other concerned departments accompanied the minister.

Speaking to reporters after evaluating the site, Minister Bhosale stated that the heavy rainfall over the last few days caused a sudden shift in the natural water flow, triggering a large flow of rocks and soil downhill.

He confirmed that the Missing Link tunnel itself has not sustained any damage. However, a section of the decorative slab at the entry point and a portion of the protective retaining wall collapsed in the incident.

“Due to the ongoing heavy downpour and dense fog, it is currently impossible to get an accurate assessment of the conditions at the top of the hill. A detailed technical inspection will be carried out by experts once the rain subsides. Decisions regarding what caused the sudden change in the water flow and the permanent preventive measures needed to avoid such incidents in the future will be taken based on that expert report,” said Minister Bhosale.

As the work to remove the fallen slab and accumulated debris from the road is underway on a war footing, the minister has directed the concerned agencies to complete the clearance operations as quickly as possible. The final decision on whether to reopen the road to traffic will be made jointly by the police administration and MSRDC after a thorough safety evaluation, he said. He emphasised that all decisions will be taken, keeping public safety as the topmost priority.

Earlier, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told reporters in Mumbai that the administrative machinery is currently working on a war footing to clear the debris. In light of the situation, he has appealed to citizens to avoid travelling on the Mumbai-Pune route unless absolutely necessary.

CM Fadnavis, who reviewed the ongoing debris removal work and also the situation arising from incessant rain across Maharashtra, told reporters that approximately 100 tonnes of debris had accumulated at the landslide site.

Notably, this incident occurred in an area that had never experienced a landslide before. So far, teams have successfully cleared about 70 tonnes of debris, and work is underway at a rapid pace to remove the remaining blockages, he said. Currently, three lanes on the corridor leading towards Pune have been opened for traffic. However, on the corridor heading towards Mumbai, traffic is functional through only a single lane.

The Chief Minister informed that emergency mechanisms are making concerted efforts to restore additional lanes within the next hour and a half. According to the CM, relevant departments, agencies and emergency response teams are working in close coordination. He has urged citizens to adhere to the administrative instructions, travel strictly according to the guidance provided by the traffic police, and rely only on official information.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, July 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has intensified rescue and relief operations across several parts of Maharashtra as relentless rainfall continues to lash the state, severely disrupting normal life and triggering landslides, waterlogging, and transport disruptions.

Meanwhile, the Indian Navy said that the Western Naval Command has been placed on high alert amid the continuing heavy rainfall and is fully prepared to assist the state administration whenever requested.

One of the major incidents was reported from Patan village in Pune's Maval tehsil, where a portion of a hillside collapsed at around 4 a.m., burying the house of local resident Nandu Tikone under a huge mass of debris. Three members of the family were feared trapped beneath the rubble.

A 30-member NDRF team has reached the affected area, immediately launched a rescue operation at the site, and recovered one body. Search operations are continuing despite challenging weather conditions to trace the remaining two missing family members.

In another rescue operation in Pune district, Team 5 Headquarters of the NDRF's 5th Battalion responded swiftly to a waterlogging incident near Ghorawadi Railway Station in Maval and successfully rescued all 37 passengers stranded inside a private bus.

Amid the worsening weather situation, Maharashtra Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan on Monday urged citizens to avoid monsoon tourism and unnecessary outings, warning that strict action could be taken against those ignoring official advisories.

"The state is experiencing an exceptionally high volume of rainfall. Roads and railway routes have been shut down, and the Pune-Mumbai transport corridor is closed. Schools have been ordered to remain closed. A Disaster Management meeting has been convened at the Mantralaya in Mumbai. I strictly advise citizens against stepping out for tourism or sightseeing in Mumbai. We will announce further decisions shortly," he said.

The minister further highlighted the danger posed by severe weather conditions. "Wind speeds have reached 70 to 90 km/h, causing trees to uproot across Mumbai. Despite this, people are gathering in crowds outdoors -- please do not do this," he added.

A red alert has been issued for several areas for Monday and Tuesday, with warnings of heavy downpours and stormy conditions.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reiterated these warnings, noting that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), with wind speeds expected to touch 80 to 90 km/h.

Source: IANS

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Visakhapatnam, July 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) A fisherman drowned after a boat carrying four fishers capsized off the Revu Polavaram coast in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district on Monday.

According to police, three fishermen safely reached the coast. The accident occurred when the boat overturned and the fishermen fell into the rough sea.

The body of the deceased fisherman was washed ashore. He was identified as Chodipalli Simhadri, of Revu Polavaram fishing village.

Meanwhile, search continued for the second day for six fishermen off the Visakhapatnam coast.

The Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Police continued search for the fishermen who went missing after their boat was suspected to have capsized in rough seas.

Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu on Monday directed officials to further accelerate search operations. He directed that all measures be taken to ensure the safe return of the missing fishermen.

According to officials, the joint search operation by the Navy and Coast Guard continued for the second day using a special vessel, rescue boat, and a helicopter.

The search operations are being conducted on the basis of information given by Kari Chinna, one of the fishermen who was rescued by a cargo ship.

The rescued fisherman is in the safe custody of Indian Coast Guard. While Chinna is believed to have managed to board the ship, the fate of others remained unknown.

An official said search operations resumed at 6 a.m. on Monday. According to him, first 72 hours of the search operation are crucial. Authorities are still hopeful of finding the missing fishermen alive.

Anxious families of the missing fishermen staged a protest in front of the office of Mechanised Boat Operators’ Association. They alleged that no information was being provided to them. Parents, wives and children of missing fishermen were seen crying and pleading with authorities to provide them information.

Inspector General of Police, Gopinath Jatti, was supervising the search and rescue operations. He visited the regional operations centre of the Indian Coast Guard.

A group of seven fishermen belonging to Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts had left for fishing from the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour on July 1.

As the sea conditions turned rough due to low pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, their families had contacted them over mobile phones to alert them. The fishermen told their families they would return to the coast by the afternoon of July 4.

As they did not return and their mobile phones were found switched off, anxious families alerted the Coast Guard and Marine Police.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, July 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a tragic incident in Mumbai, a man was killed after a tree collapsed on him as heavy rains and strong winds lashed several parts of the city on Sunday.

Mayor Ritu Tawde appealed to people to stay indoors and exercise caution amid the harsh weather.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had on Saturday issued a critical Red alert for Mumbai, Thane, and several neighbouring districts as relentless monsoon downpours lashed the region, officials said.

In the incident reported by NDTV from the city's Kurla area, the 63-year-old man, who recently bought a shop in the neighbourhood, had come there to prepare for its opening day when the falling tree struck him with great force. The tragedy was caught on CCTV camera.

The Mayor has announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for him.

In another tragedy on Saturday, an 18-year-old lost his life after a branch of a tree fell on him while he was driving a motorcycle in Mumbai's Aarey Colony area. The victim lost consciousness and was immediately rushed to hospital where doctors declared him brought dead, police said.

The incidents come days after 11-year-old student Vihaan Srivastava was killed and four other children were injured when a tree collapsed on their school bus while on their way home.

In another incident, a major tragedy was averted after a massive roadside tree collapsed near Mahim Church in Mumbai.

Speaking to IANS, a local said: "There were very strong winds and heavy rainfall during which this incident took place. At that time, we were inside the shop. After hearing a loud crashing sound, I came out and saw that a tree had collapsed."

"There were fewer people around at that time, so thankfully no one got injured," he said.

With waterlogging being reported from various parts of the city amid downpour, Mayor Tawde appealed to Mumbaikars not to venture out unless necessary and to stay away from trees.

Taking to X, Tawde said: "Your safety is my top priority! A humble appeal to Mumbaikars from Mumbai's Mayor, Mrs. Ritu Tawde..Currently, Mumbai is experiencing heavy downpours and a ‘Red Alert’. Incidents of trees and branches falling due to strong winds are occurring. In such a situation, ensuring you and your family remain safe is of utmost importance."

"Please do not venture out unnecessarily, stay away from trees, park vehicles in safe places and do not believe rumors," she urged.

She also issued a helpline number for emergency assistance: "Contact 1916".

"Please follow the administration's instructions," the Mayor added.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also took to X to advise caution, saying: "Trees may fall due to strong winds. Please do not stand under trees during such times and do not park vehicles."

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, July 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) Heavy rainfall and strong winds triggered flooding in villages and rough sea conditions along the Gir Somnath coast, prompting the district administration to carry out multiple rescue operations that safely evacuated more than 250 residents, rescued four persons trapped inside a flooded house and brought four fishermen ashore after their boat drifted into the sea.

The largest rescue operation was conducted in Gangda village, where around 250 people were evacuated after the Rupen River breached its embankment at around 1 a.m. following intense rainfall.

According to the district administration, the breach caused floodwater from the river to enter the New Plot and Untwala Road areas of the village, inundating houses and leaving around 250 people stranded.

A joint rescue operation was launched immediately by personnel from the Mamlatdar's office, the Taluka Panchayat, the police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Rescue teams shifted residents to safety at Gangda Primary School and Bapa Sitaram Ashram.

The administration said accommodation, food and sleeping arrangements were provided for around 115 evacuees, while the remaining affected residents took shelter with relatives or family members.

"All stranded residents were evacuated safely and necessary relief arrangements were made for those displaced," officials said.

In a separate incident in Sultanpur village of Una taluka, four people trapped inside a flooded house were rescued after rainwater entered low-lying residential areas during the night.

The district administration said it received information that four persons had become stranded after water entered their home.

Personnel from the Mamlatdar's office and the SDRF jointly carried out the rescue operation and safely evacuated all four occupants.

The rescued residents were shifted to Sultanpur Primary School, where accommodation and sleeping facilities were arranged.

The administration said the SDRF remains on alert across the district and continues to work in coordination with local authorities in view of the heavy rainfall.

Heavy rain and strong winds also affected the district's coastline, where rough sea conditions caused several anchored vessels to break free.

According to the administration, five to six boats and two to three small fishing craft anchored in the creek area near Syed Rajpara village in Una taluka drifted into the sea after their anchors gave way under the combined impact of strong winds, heavy rainfall and the forceful river current.

Authorities learnt that one of the drifting boats had four fishermen on board, prompting the Indian Coast Guard to launch a rescue operation.

The four fishermen, identified as Kamlesh Baraiya, Narshi Bambhaniya, Ravji Shiyal and Ramji Shiyal, were rescued safely by the Coast Guard and brought ashore at Navabandar.

The district administration said all rescue operations were completed safely as emergency teams remained deployed across the affected areas in response to the ongoing spell of heavy rainfall.

Source: IANS

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Amaravati, July 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) At least four persons, including three women, died after being hit by a train in Andhra Pradesh’s Eluru district, police said on Sunday.

The incident occurred near Chebrol in Ungutur mandal late on Saturday night.

According to police, a man and three women were crushed to death under the Cherlapalli-Shalimar special.

The bodies were crushed beyond recognition. On receipt of information, Government Railway Police (GRP) from Tadepalligudem rushed to the spot and shifted the bodies.

Police suspect that all four belonged to the same family and might have died by suicide. They are believed to be aged between 30 and 35 years.

Police found an ATM card on one of the bodies of the women. The car is in the name of Sheikh Haseena. Another woman had a bike park receipt issued at the Tadepalligudem RTC depot.

Police also recovered two mobile phones from the scene. Both phones were damaged. Police were trying to retrieve data from the SIM cards to identify the deceased.

GRP personnel shifted the bodies to the Tadepalligudem area hospital for post-mortem examination.

A GRP official said they have registered a case and taken up further investigation.

Meanwhile, four persons were killed in a road accident in Nalgonda district of Telangana early Sunday morning.

The accident on Hyderabad-Vijayawada national highway near Peddakaparthi village in Chityal mandal when a private travel bus rammed into a car.

Four persons travelling in the car died on the spot, while one, V.V. Prasad, who was driving the car, was seriously injured.

Prasad’s wife, son, daughter and his friend died in the accident.

According to police, the car was coming to Hyderabad from Chennai. When it reached near Peddakaparthi, a bus belonging to a private travel agency from Odisha hit it from behind.

Police and rescue workers had a tough time pulling out bodies from the mangled remains of the car.

The victims were from Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh and were residing in Hyderabad.

The accident led to a traffic jam on the national highway for some time. Police and National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) officials restored the traffic after deploying a crane to remove the mangled car.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) A massive fire broke out at a warehouse storing exhibition materials in Delhi’s Chandan Hola area in the early hours of Sunday, triggering a major firefighting operation in which more than 25 fire tenders were pressed into service.

After hours of sustained efforts, firefighters succeeded in bringing the blaze under control, with no casualties reported.

According to the Delhi Fire Services (DFS), the department received a call about the fire at around 2:11 a.m. The blaze had erupted at a tin-shed warehouse spread across nearly two acres in Chandan Hola, causing panic in the area as flames rapidly engulfed the premises.

Soon after receiving the alert, the Delhi Fire Services rushed more than 25 fire tenders to the spot. Firefighters launched an extensive operation to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby structures and worked through the night to douse the fire.

Officials said the rescue and firefighting operation continued for several hours before the blaze was finally brought under control. Despite the intensity of the fire and the extensive damage caused to the stored exhibition materials, no loss of life or injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Officials said an investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances that led to the blaze.

The incident is the latest in a series of major fire accidents reported in the national capital, once again highlighting concerns over fire safety at commercial establishments and storage facilities.

Earlier on Wednesday, a major fire broke out at a three-storey commercial building housing an electronics showroom in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar area, prompting a large-scale firefighting operation involving more than 15 fire tenders and over 75 firefighters.

According to the Delhi Fire Services, the blaze originated in the basement of the ground-plus-three-storey building and quickly spread throughout the structure, which was built over an area of approximately 350 square yards. Officials said the fire rapidly engulfed the entire building, damaging a large quantity of electronic goods, electrical equipment, furniture and other fixtures stored across all floors of the showroom.

Soon after receiving information about the incident, the Delhi Fire Services launched an extensive emergency response operation and deployed more than 15 fire tenders along with over 75 firefighters to prevent the flames from spreading to adjoining structures. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before successfully bringing it under control. According to the Delhi Fire Services, the fire was brought under control at around 6:30 a.m. after sustained firefighting efforts.

Officials had confirmed that no casualties or injuries were reported in the Uttam Nagar incident either.

Source: IANS

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Jammu, July 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on Saturday rescued four children stranded in the Tawi River in Jammu.

Officials said that in a swift and coordinated rescue operation, Jammu Police and the SDRF successfully rescued four children who became stranded in the river near Peer Kho Temple following a sudden rise in the water level.

A distress call was received through the Police Control Room (PCR), informing the authorities that four children who had gone bathing in the river were trapped after the water level rose unexpectedly.

Acting promptly on the information, senior police officers, along with the SDPO City North, SHO, Police Station Pacca Danga, and the SDRF team, immediately rushed to the spot. Through a well-coordinated rescue operation, all four children were safely rescued without any injuries.

The timely intervention and seamless coordination between Jammu Police and the SDRF averted a potential tragedy and ensured the safety of the children.

Following the rescue, the SDPO City North addressed the public through a public announcement system, urging people to stay away from the banks of the Tawi River, particularly during periods of fluctuating water levels.

Parents were also advised to ensure that their children do not venture near the river, as sudden surges in water levels can pose a serious threat to life.

Jammu Police appealed to the general public to exercise utmost caution near rivers and other water bodies, especially during the monsoon season, and to immediately report any emergency to the Police Control Room or the nearest police station.

There have been several drowning deaths, especially involving children and youths, in J&K in recent months.

Drowning fatalities in Jammu and Kashmir generally rise during the summer months, with a recurring pattern of local youths and minors drowning while swimming in unguarded rivers, including the Jhelum, Sindh and Tawi, as well as streams and hydropower canals.

In Ganderbal district, the Sindh stream (Nallah Sindh) has repeatedly emerged as a vulnerable location. In recent years, authorities imposed restrictions on swimming in the area following multiple casualties.

Tragic incidents in Srinagar district have regularly occurred in areas such as Harwan, the Doodhganga River and Dal Lake, frequently involving teenagers and students lacking swimming skills.

In the Jammu region, incidents are frequently reported in water bodies such as the Tawi and the Chenab.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, July 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday felicitated the rescue teams involved in the recent Taratala warehouse roof collapse incident at a special thanksgiving ceremony. At the same time, he announced a special fund of Rs 200 crore to make the state's disaster management system stronger and more modern in the future.

The Chief Minister highly appreciated the speed with which the rescue operation was carried out following the Taratala incident on June 24. He described the joint efforts of the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Civil Defence, Fire Services, Health Department and Kolkata Police as extraordinary teamwork.

Thanking every soldier and worker involved in the rescue operation, the Chief Minister said in his speech, "You all have saved the precious lives of our 17 workers. For that, I express my gratitude from the bottom of my heart."

On June 24, as many as 16 workers died when the roof of an under-construction warehouse collapsed on Transport Depot Road in the Taratala area of south Kolkata. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that he had initially learnt from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) that the accident was caused by a flaw in the construction design.

The owner of the company constructing the warehouse on land leased from the Kolkata Port Authority, the OSD to the former Mayor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, and several others have been arrested in connection with the incident.

The Chief Minister on Saturday outlined in detail the measures proposed to ensure that the state is better prepared to deal with disasters in the future. He said that a special provision of Rs 200 crore has been made in this year's budget for the purchase of modern equipment for rescue operations and for infrastructure development.

He said that not only would modern equipment be procured, but a special team of skilled personnel would also be created. The Chief Minister announced that a dedicated disaster response unit comprising at least 200 ex-Army personnel and firefighters would be formed. They would be deployed primarily in the hills, Sagar Island and Kolkata after receiving advanced training.

Assuring that the shortcomings of the state's disaster response force, fire brigade and police Disaster Management Group (DMG) cell would be addressed quickly, the Chief Minister said, "This government will fill them within the next one year and work to take Bengal on the path of progress in all aspects."

Along with the rescue agencies, the Chief Minister also specially acknowledged the contribution of the local residents of Taratala. He said that the local youth who joined hands with the corporation and began rescue efforts before the fire brigade or police arrived were the real saviours.

Saluting those ordinary citizens from the stage, Suvendu Adhikari promised that he would personally visit the area in the coming days and thank the youth directly.

Source: IANS

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Chandigarh, July 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) A building collapsed in Chandigarh's Industrial Area Phase II on Saturday, officials said. Some people are feared to have been trapped in the debris. This is the second building collapse in the city in less than 24 hours.

Rescue and relief operations are underway, with heavy machinery being deployed to clear the debris. Rescuers are trying to locate and establish contact with people who may be trapped inside.

Officials said the building was used by a scrap dealer. "The construction of the building might be old, and that might be the reason for its caving in," an official said, adding that "the area didn't see any heavy spells of rainfall".

A day earlier, the roof of the auditorium at Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology (CCET) in Sector 26 here collapsed. Fortunately, no one was inside the auditorium at the time of the incident.

The auditorium is a key government facility where vote count is conducted during elections. The Engineering Department had earlier assessed the structure of CCET College and declared it unsafe, ensuring that it remained unoccupied.

Following a detailed structural safety audit, the department sought further advice on structural stability and safety from Punjab Engineering College (PEC) as part of the prescribed procedure. The department had also begun the process of demolishing the unsafe structure.

"Immediately after the incident, the site was secured, and the entire area around the building was cordoned off to prevent public access," a Chandigarh administration press release had said.

The latest collapse in Industrial Area Phase II has raised serious concerns about the safety of ageing buildings across Chandigarh, particularly in commercial and industrial zones. Residents and business owners in the area have expressed alarm over the deteriorating condition of several structures, many of which were constructed decades ago without adequate maintenance or periodic structural audits.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the building that collapsed on Saturday was not covered under any recent structural safety inspection, as the administration's focus had been primarily on government buildings and educational institutions following the earlier CCET incident. The scrap dealer who operated from the premises reportedly used the ground floor for storing metal and other materials, while the upper floors had remained vacant for several years.

Fire and emergency services teams reached the spot within minutes of receiving the alert and launched a coordinated rescue operation in collaboration with the local police and municipal authorities. Sniffer dogs have been deployed to help locate any survivors trapped beneath the rubble. Ambulances remain on standby at the site to provide immediate medical assistance to anyone rescued.

Source: IANS

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Maihar (Madhya Pradesh), July 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Three villagers died and another was critically injured after they entered an abandoned well one after another to rescue a bull that had fallen into it, only to be overcome by the suspected poisonous gas, in Madhya Pradesh's Maihar district, police said on Saturday.

The incident occurred at Kharmaseda village under the Amarpatan police station limits and has left the village in shock.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the well, which had remained closed and unused for a long time, had little oxygen and was filled with toxic gases, causing the victims to suffocate within minutes of entering it.

After the tragedy, villagers carried out a desperate rescue operation before police reached the spot, pulling the victims out of the nearly 35-foot-deep well with the help of ropes and iron hooks.

Police later recovered the bodies, sent them for post-mortem examination and launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of death.

Speaking to IANS, Amarpatan Sub-Divisional Police Officer Khyati Mishra said, "The incident took place while villagers were attempting to rescue a bull that had fallen into a well. Three people died due to suffocation inside the well, while one person was rescued alive and is undergoing treatment. A case has been registered, and the exact cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem examination and forensic analysis."

According to the police, the incident took place around 8:30 p.m. on Friday near the house of a person Ramnivas Kushwaha when villagers heard the trapped bull's cries from inside the well.

Two men initially descended into the well using a rope to rescue the animal but soon collapsed after inhaling the toxic air.

In an attempt to save them, two more villagers entered the well one after another, but they too were overcome by the poisonous atmosphere.

The deceased have been identified as Krishna Kumar Yadav (28), Virendra Yadav (47) and Rahul Yadav (34).

The lone survivor, Ramchandra Yadav (42), was initially taken to the Amarpatan Civil Hospital before being referred to the district hospital in Satna for specialised treatment.

"Four persons were brought to the hospital. Three were brought dead, while Ramchandra was admitted in a critical condition. He was stabilised after primary treatment and referred to the district hospital for further management," Himanshu Pandey, a doctor at the Amarpatan Civil Hospital, told IANS.

Source: IANS

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Varanasi, July 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Three people outside the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi sustained injuries from the resulting shrapnel after a PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) jawan on duty near Gate No. 4B of the temple accidentally fired gunshots, officials said on Saturday.

According to preliminary information, the incident occurred when the PAC jawan's carbine allegedly went off accidentally.

Panic ensued at the spot following the incident, though the police quickly brought the situation under control.

The injured individuals have been identified as Nikki Gupta, Ram Babu, and Vikas Yadav.

Immediately after the incident, the police and temple administration sent the injured to the hospital for treatment.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Gaurav Banswal said that the carbine slipped from the hands of the PAC jawan stationed outside the temple, causing two rounds to fire.

"Both shots hit the ground, but shrapnel struck three flower-garland vendors present at the spot. One person was hit in the hand, another in the waist, and the third in the leg," he added.

He said that none of the three sustained serious injuries.

"All three have been admitted to the hospital, and their condition is stable," DCP Banswal added.

Vikas Yadav, one of the injured, recounted that the gunshot was fired while he was at his flower-garland stall.

"The PAC jawan was standing with his carbine held behind him when the weapon discharged. Later, other police personnel arrived and took the jawan away. Vikas Yadav also mentioned that after the incident, police personnel collected and removed the shrapnel from the spot," Yadav said.

"I was hit by shrapnel in my hand and waist. A total of three people were injured," he added.

Another injured person, Ram Babu, said that the shot from the PAC jawan's carbine went off suddenly. He sustained shrapnel injuries to his leg and hand.

Source: IANS

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