Chamoli (Rajeev Sharma): A major accident at an under-construction tunnel in Pipalkoti has claimed seven lives after a large quantity of water and debris entered the structure, trapping workers inside. The tunnel is part of a project being executed by the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDC).
Rescue teams have been working to reach the remaining workers, with the operation being carried out by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
19 rescued workers taken to Gopeshwar hospital
A total of 19 workers were brought to the District Hospital in Gopeshwar after being evacuated from the tunnel.
Doctors confirmed that seven of those brought to the hospital had died. Ten others were admitted for treatment, while one worker in a relatively serious condition was referred to the Base Hospital in Srinagar.
Hospital authorities said several of the rescued workers were in comparatively stable condition.
Rescue operation hampered by rising water
The rescue effort has faced considerable challenges because of the volume of water inside the tunnel.
NDRF team commander Amrit Lal Meena said rescuers found the tunnel heavily flooded after reaching the site. Water was also reportedly entering through the sides, complicating efforts to reach the affected section.
Specialised equipment is being used to search the tunnel and recover those who remain trapped. Four bodies had been recovered from the water during an earlier stage of the operation.
Around 20-22 workers were inside
THDC Executive Director (Projects) Kumar Sharad said approximately 20 to 22 workers were inside the tunnel when the incident occurred.
According to officials, rescue teams managed to evacuate a significant number of workers and shift them to the district hospital. Three to four of the rescued workers were initially reported to be in serious condition.
The authorities have not yet concluded the operation, and teams remain at the site to account for every worker who was present inside the tunnel.
Focus remains on recovery and medical care
The immediate priority for the administration and rescue agencies is to locate anyone still trapped and ensure timely medical treatment for those who have been evacuated.
The cause of the sudden water and debris inflow has not yet been fully established. A detailed assessment of the site and circumstances surrounding the accident is expected once the rescue operation is completed.
For now, the operation continues inside the tunnel, with NDRF and SDRF personnel working amid difficult conditions to reach the remaining workers.
