Daijiworld Media Network – Kedarnath

Kedarnath, Jun 18: A tragic landslide struck the Kedarnath trek route near Junglechatti ghat on Wednesday, claiming two lives and injuring three others, including a woman.

The incident occurred around 11.20 am when boulders suddenly rolled down the hillside, hitting pilgrims and palanquin as well as porter operators trekking towards the sacred shrine. The force of the landslide pushed the victims into a deep gorge, said Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Akshay Prahlad Konde.

Swift response by police, SDRF teams, and local volunteers led to a challenging rescue operation. Using ropes, the teams pulled the victims out of the gorge. Two individuals died on the spot, while three others sustained injuries. Among the injured, a woman suffered minor wounds, whereas two men with serious injuries were rushed to the health centre in Gaurikund.

The identities of the deceased and the injured are being verified. Meanwhile, the movement of pilgrims has resumed under strict police vigilance to ensure their safety.