Kathmandu, Dec. 27: Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal has expressed sorrow over the death of two people in an accident that occurred while checking the pipe of an under-construction hydroelectricity project in Solukhumbu district.

Engineer Subas Raj Regmi and an employee Arjun Thapa died when the pipe of the Solukhola Dudhkosi Hydroelectricity Project burst in course of conducting test run today. The 86- megawatt project is being promoted by Sahas Urja.

Minister Bhusal said that she was greatly saddened by the untimely death of two youth and talented technicians in the unfortunate incident.

Paying tribute to the deceased, the Energy Minister extended condolences to the members of the bereaved families and co-workers.

The accident occurred after the penstock pipe of the project burst in course of conducting a hydraulic test. The promoter company said the mishap happened while releasing water in the pipe to check its joints.

It is said the pipe burst due to the pressure inside the penstock pipe as 17 cubic meters of water was released from a height of 600 metres. This mishap has raised a question regarding the works carried out towards the project's hydro-mechanical department.