A tense rescue operation is in progress as parts of a road tunnel collapsed in the mountainous state of Uttarakhand, trapping 40 construction workers. The incident occurred on Sunday when a landslide struck the construction site, triggering a widespread search for the missing crew.
Overnight, police confirmed that all workers are safe, having been supplied with essential provisions such as oxygen and water. Officer Prashant Kumar reported that rescuers successfully established contact with the trapped individuals, providing a glimmer of hope in the challenging situation.
The trapped workers were part of the construction team working on the Chardham all-weather road, a significant federal government project aimed at connecting various Hindu pilgrimage sites. Uttarakhand has witnessed extensive construction activities in recent years, contributing to the region’s growth but also posing risks as seen in this incident.
Authorities are actively pumping oxygen through a pipe into the collapsed section of the tunnel to aid the trapped workers’ breathing. Officer Kumar shared that the rescue team has advanced 15 meters into the tunnel, with 35 more meters to cover. Over 150 rescuers utilized drilling equipment and excavators throughout the night to clear debris.
The collapsed portion of the three-mile tunnel is approximately 200 meters from the entrance, according to officials from the Press Trust of India news agency.
This unfortunate incident follows a pattern of concerns about land stability in Uttarakhand. In January, authorities moved hundreds of people to temporary shelters after a temple collapsed, and cracks appeared in over 600 houses due to the sinking of land in and around Joshimath town.
