An 18-year-old man died and another was injured after their scooter was swept away by a rain-swollen drain near Baradband on the Thal-Berinag road in Pithoragarh district on Sunday night.
The 2 men were travelling home after visiting Dharchula when the incident occurred at about 9:00 PM amid heavy rain. Both were swept into the fast-moving water along with the scooter.
The deceased was identified as Himanshu Nayaal, 19, son of Shivpal Singh Nayaal, from Tilora, Bhagal, Someshwar, Almora. Gaurav Kumar, 18, son of Girish Ram, from Nanoli, Bhagal, Someshwar, Almora, was travelling as the pillion rider.
Rescue operation continues through the night
Gaurav was carried about 20 feet downstream before becoming trapped among rocks. He managed to get out of the drain and contacted the police helpline to report the incident.
Police and State Disaster Response Force personnel reached the location and began searching for Himanshu. The operation continued throughout the night, but rescuers could not locate him immediately.
The search resumed on Monday morning. Himanshu’s body was eventually found 150 feet below the road. Police recovered the body and sent it for -mortem examination.
Gaurav was injured in the incident and is receiving treatment at Gochar Primary Health Centre. The available details do not specify the nature or severity of his injuries.
Why the incident matters
The incident occurred while the road was being affected by heavy rain and a swollen drain. The 2 riders were returning from Dharchula towards their homes in the Someshwar area of Almora when the scooter was swept away near Baradband.
The confirmed toll is one death and one injury. The rescue operation has recovered the deceased rider, while the injured survivor remains under treatment at the Gochar PHC.
Conclusion
A rain-swollen drain swept away the scooter near Baradband on the Thal-Berinag road, killing Himanshu Nayaal and injuring Gaurav Kumar. Police recovered Himanshu’s body after an overnight search, and Gaurav is receiving treatment at Gochar PHC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where did the incident occur?
It occurred near Baradband on the Thal-Berinag road in Pithoragarh district.
Q. When did the scooter get swept away?
The incident occurred at about 9:00 PM on Sunday night during heavy rain.
Q. Who died in the incident?
Himanshu Nayaal, 19, died after being swept away with the scooter.
Q. Who was injured?
Gaurav Kumar, 18, the pillion rider, was injured and survived the incident.
Q. Where was Himanshu’s body found?
His body was found 150 feet below the road on Monday morning.
Q. Where is Gaurav receiving treatment?
Gaurav is being treated at Gochar Primary Health Centre.
