Seven workers were killed and 14 injured after debris and water flooded an under-construction THDC hydropower tunnel; one worker remains trapped.
Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse Leaves 7 Dead, 14 Injured
Seven workers were killed and 14 others injured after a large volume of debris and water suddenly entered an under-construction hydropower tunnel in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district. The incident occurred at the THDC project in Mayapur near Pipalkoti on Thursday evening, trapping workers who were inside the tunnel during their shift.
Officials said 22 workers were inside when the incident occurred and 21 have since been accounted for. One worker remains trapped as rescue teams continue efforts to reach the person. The injured were shifted to nearby medical facilities, including Gopeshwar, while those requiring advanced treatment may be moved to higher medical centres.
Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse Triggers Massive Rescue Operation
The incident reportedly occurred around 6:30 PM to 6:45 PM when debris and water surged into the tunnel, which is being constructed as part of a THDC hydropower project. Rescue operations began soon after authorities received information about the accident.
Teams from the State Disaster Response Force and National Disaster Response Force were deployed along with personnel from the Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Central Industrial Security Force, local police and District Incident Response Force.
Heavy machinery is being used to remove debris and pump water from the tunnel. SDRF personnel have also used improvised drum boats in areas where accumulated water has made access difficult. Officials said all available resources and manpower have been mobilised to locate the remaining trapped worker.
Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse Rescue Monitored By Chief Minister
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is monitoring the rescue and relief operations and has directed officials to work in close coordination. He said the government's priority is to ensure the safe evacuation of anyone remaining inside and provide immediate assistance to injured workers and affected families.
Dhami was scheduled to inspect the accident site on Friday and later meet injured workers undergoing treatment in Gopeshwar. However, bad weather could affect his travel to the tunnel area.
Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar said rescue agencies and machinery were deployed soon after the incident. Authorities are continuing operations inside the tunnel while medical teams remain prepared to handle further evacuations.
Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse Cause Yet To Be Determined
Officials have not yet confirmed what caused the sudden inflow of debris and water into the under-construction tunnel. An assessment is expected once rescue operations are completed and conditions inside the tunnel are considered safe for detailed inspection.
The accident has once again highlighted the risks faced by workers involved in major infrastructure and hydropower projects in mountainous regions. Rescue teams remain at the site as efforts continue to reach the final trapped worker, while authorities focus on treatment for the injured and support for the families of those killed.
