A rescue operation is underway at an under-construction tunnel of the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDC) in Pipalkoti, Chamoli, after a sudden flow of water and debris trapped workers inside the structure.
Seven people have been declared dead after those rescued from the tunnel were taken to the District Hospital in Gopeshwar, officials said on Friday. Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are continuing efforts to reach workers who may still be trapped inside.
Workers trapped after water enters tunnel
The incident occurred when a large amount of water entered the under-construction tunnel, carrying debris and making the rescue operation difficult.
THDC Executive Director (Projects) Kumar Sharad said around 20 to 22 workers were inside the tunnel when the incident took place.
Initial information from officials indicated that several workers were rescued and taken to the district hospital for medical treatment. Some of those brought out were reported to be in serious condition.
Seven declared dead at hospital
District Hospital Gopeshwar officials said that 19 people were brought to the hospital following the incident. Seven of them were declared dead.
Dr Aayush said 13 of those brought to the hospital were in relatively stable condition, while 10 were admitted for treatment. One injured worker whose condition was considered unstable was referred to the Base Hospital in Srinagar for further medical care.
The figures provided by officials at different stages of the operation have varied, with earlier updates stating that 18 workers had been rescued and shifted to hospital.
NDRF faces difficult rescue operation
NDRF and SDRF personnel are working inside the tunnel to evacuate those who remain trapped.
NDRF team commander Amrit Lal Meena said rescuers encountered a significant amount of water after reaching the tunnel. The water level continued to rise during the operation, while water was also entering through the sides of the tunnel.
Specialised equipment is being used to search through the flooded sections and recover people trapped inside.
According to the NDRF, four bodies had been recovered from the water during the operation as rescue teams continued working at the site.
Rescue operation continues
Authorities have not stopped the operation and teams are continuing their efforts to locate and evacuate every worker still inside the tunnel.
The difficult conditions inside the structure, including rising water and debris, have slowed the rescue work. Officials said the operation will continue until all trapped workers are accounted for.
The incident has raised serious concerns over safety at the under-construction project, while rescue agencies remain focused on bringing out the remaining workers and providing medical assistance to those who have been rescued.
