At least 9 workers unaccounted for after fire at hydroelectric plant in India

A huge fire broke out at a unit of a hydroelectric power station leaving at least nine employees missing in southern India’s Telangana.

The accident took place on August 20 at Telangana State Power Generation Corporation Limited's hydroelectric power station in Srisailam.

Between 15 to 20 maintenance personnel were present on the scene at the time of the incident.

While 15 of those on duty escaped immediately, at least nine were stuck in the powerhouse.

Footage shows staff attempting to douse the fire down as thick smoke clouds erupt from the site of the fire.

According to reports, six of those rescued from the plant have been admitted to a hospital to be treated.

The Telangana government sought the help of the National Disaster Response Force after an eight-hour-long rescue effort for employees.

Telangana Energy Minister G Jagadishwara Reddy stated that four panels were damaged due to the incident, with smoke spreading to the unit immediately.

He further stated that though the staff switched off the power, they could not go ahead with rescue operations due to smoke.