Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: 6 dead, 14 injured after water and debris trap workers in Chamoli — updates
Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse: 6 Dead, 14 Injured in Chamoli Disaster
Theindiapostdaily.com – A devastating incident occurred on Thursday at a hydroelectric construction site in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district when a sudden influx of water and debris caused a tunnel collapse, trapping dozens of workers inside. According to official reports, twenty-two laborers were working inside the tunnel when the disaster struck. Emergency rescue teams have successfully extracted twenty individuals from the debris-filled passage so far.
Six of those rescued were pronounced dead, while fourteen sustained various injuries and were immediately transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment. The whereabouts and condition of two remaining workers have not yet been confirmed as rescue operations continue.
Incident Details at Pipalkoti Site
The accident took place at the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation's project location in the Pipalkoti region. Hindustan Construction Company is currently managing the construction activities at this site, according to government sources. The tunnel was under active construction when water and debris began flooding the passage, causing the collapse.
Uttarakhand's Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan informed PTI that authorities were alerted when water and debris began entering the tunnel. Multiple emergency response teams mobilized immediately after receiving the news. The National Disaster Response Force team from Rudraprayag was sent to Pipalkoti to support rescue efforts. Additionally, personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the Indian Army were deployed to the location.
Government Response and Leadership
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized that ensuring the safe evacuation of every trapped worker remains the administration's foremost objective.
Information has been received about debris and water entering the THDC tunnel located in Peepalkoti. Considering the seriousness of the incident, teams from @NDRFHQ and @uksdrf have been immediately dispatched to the site. Instructions have been issued to all relevant agencies, including the district administration, to carry out relief and rescue operations at a war footing.
After visiting the Disaster Operations Centre in Dehradun, Dhami reviewed the rescue progress at the Mayapur tunnel site and provided guidance to officials. He also contacted rescued workers by telephone to assess their well-being and promised comprehensive support.
I myself am in constant contact with the officials and continuously gathering updates on the situation. Our topmost priority is to safely evacuate every person trapped inside the tunnel. I pray to God for the safe well-being of all.
Disaster Management Coordination
Vinod Kumar Suman, secretary of disaster management and rehabilitation, directed all concerned agencies to work in close coordination and accelerate relief operations.
The priority is to safely evacuate all the people trapped inside the tunnel.
Suman noted that additional resources and specialized teams would be deployed if necessary to strengthen the rescue effort, according to HT reports. District officials and rescue agencies are collaborating closely at the site to ensure an effective response.
Related Developments and Updates
In a separate incident, a Bailey Bridge was swept away by a sudden water surge at Tamak Nala in Chamoli district on Monday evening. This event disrupted transportation along the Niti-Malari route. Officials reported that a Border Roads Organisation vehicle and its driver are missing, according to ANI.
Chamoli Additional District Magistrate Vivek Prakash explained that water levels at Tamak Nala increased dramatically around 5:30 pm, leading to the bridge's collapse. A search operation is currently in progress with SDRF teams stationed at the location.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren held discussions with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami regarding laborers from Jharkhand who were reportedly trapped following the tunnel incident. Soren mentioned that Dhami assured him that comprehensive efforts are being undertaken to ensure the safety of all affected workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many workers were trapped in the Uttarakhand tunnel collapse?
According to preliminary reports, twenty-two laborers were inside the tunnel when the disaster struck. Rescue teams have successfully extracted twenty individuals so far.
What caused the tunnel collapse in Chamoli?
The collapse was caused by a sudden influx of water and debris that flooded the under-construction tunnel at the THDC project site in Pipalkoti.
Which rescue teams are involved in the operation?
The National Disaster Response Force team from Rudraprayag, Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel, and Indian Army units have been deployed to support rescue efforts.
Are there any missing workers still unaccounted for?
Yes, two workers remain unaccounted for. Their whereabouts and condition have not yet been confirmed as rescue operations continue.