A tragic incident at an under-construction hydro tunnel in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district has resulted in the deaths of seven workers, with 14 others sustaining injuries. The accident, which occurred on Thursday evening around 6:45 PM, saw a sudden rush of water and debris flood the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) project site in Mayapur, Pipalkoti.
Officials confirmed that 22 workers were present inside the tunnel when the collapse happened, leaving them with little time to escape the rapidly advancing deluge. While 21 workers have since been accounted for, rescue efforts are intensely focused on locating one individual who remains trapped.
Extensive Rescue Operations Underway
A large-scale rescue operation has been launched, involving multiple specialized agencies. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), local police, District Incident Response Force, and CISF are all deployed at the site. Rescuers are utilizing various equipment, including improvised drum boats, to navigate the flooded sections of the tunnel. Heavy machinery has also been brought in to clear accumulated debris and create access routes for the rescue teams.
Official Response and Monitoring
Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar reported that 16 workers had been successfully rescued by 9 PM on the day of the incident. He stated, "This is a tunnel under construction for a hydropower project belonging to THDC. Around 6:30 or 6:45 PM, a large volume of debris and water surged into the tunnel. Workers from the shift on duty got trapped inside." Kumar expressed hope for the rescue of the remaining individuals.
The 14 injured workers were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Those requiring specialized medical attention are being transferred to larger facilities, while others are receiving care in Gopeshwar.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is closely monitoring the situation, receiving regular updates from officials on the ground. "The government's top priority is to ensure the safe evacuation of every person trapped inside the tunnel. All necessary resources have been deployed for the rescue operation," Dhami affirmed. He has directed authorities to coordinate the operation effectively and ensure all possible assistance for the affected workers and their families. The Chief Minister also communicated with his counterparts in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, as many workers at the site are believed to hail from these states.
Investigation into the Cause
The precise reason behind the sudden entry of water and debris into the tunnel has not yet been established. Authorities have commenced an investigation to determine the factors that led to this devastating collapse as rescue operations continue.