A tragic incident unfolded in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi as an under-construction tunnel on Yamunotri National Highway suffered a collapse due to a landslide, leaving more than 30 workers trapped inside. The incident occurred on a Sunday morning, approximately 200 meters from the tunnel’s entrance, while the workers were located 2,800 meters inside.
Swift response teams, including local police, the administration, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have promptly arrived at the scene to initiate the rescue efforts. Five ambulances have been deployed to ensure the safe evacuation of the workers. Fortunately, the workers inside have access to oxygen cylinders, and an additional oxygen pipe has been delivered to enhance their safety.
The SDRF received a distress call from the District Control Room Uttarkashi, reporting that 36 individuals were feared trapped due to the tunnel collapse. In response, Commander SDRF, Manikant Mishra, swiftly directed SDRF rescue teams, led by Inspector Jagdamba Vijalwan, to the site with essential rescue equipment. The SDRF, in collaboration with other rescue units, is working tirelessly to provide relief and rescue to those affected.
The 4.5-kilometer tunnel, part of the all-weather road project, is being constructed by Navayuga Engineering Company Limited under the supervision of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). The responsibility of debris removal falls on the company as rescue operations continue.
