Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse: 36 Trapped Laborers – Officials Estimate 2-3 Days for Safe Rescue
In a distressing incident on Sunday, November 12, an under-construction tunnel in Uttarkashi collapsed, resulting in approximately 36 laborers being trapped inside. As of now, efforts are underway to establish an oxygen supply within the tunnel. The incident unfolded early in the morning, with the initiation of rescue operations taking place promptly.
Construction of Brahmakamal-Yamunotri Tunnel Connecting the Char Dham Route Underway
The ongoing construction of the Brahmakamal-Yamunotri tunnel marks a significant infrastructure development along the Char Dham route, specifically on the Silk Road and Dandakvan stretch. Spanning a length of 4 kilometers and descending to a depth of 14 meters, this all-weather tunnel is a key component of the Char Dham Road Project. Once completed, it is poised to reduce the travel distance between Uttarkashi and Yamunotri Dham by 26 kilometers.
Major Rescue Operation Underway in Uttarkashi as 50-Meter Section of Tunnel Collapses
A critical situation has unfolded in Uttarkashi as Superintendent of Police Arpan Yaduvanshi confirmed that a 50-meter section of the tunnel has collapsed. The majority of the trapped laborers are reportedly from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, with the affected section located approximately 200 meters from the tunnel’s starting point. A comprehensive rescue operation involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire Brigade, and National Highway authorities is currently underway, with approximately 156 individuals engaged in the mission.
According to official statements, the extraction of the trapped laborers in the Uttarkashi tunnel collapse may take approximately 2 to 3 days, as communicated by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami of Uttarakhand. Expressing concern over the incident, the Chief Minister assured that efforts are underway to safely evacuate all workers. He invoked prayers for the well-being and safety of the laborers affected by the unfortunate incident.
Immediate Response by Uttarkashi’s SP Arpan Yaduvanshi as Tunnel Collapse Information Emerges
In response to the immediate aftermath of the tunnel collapse in Uttarkashi, Superintendent of Police Arpan Yaduvanshi promptly arrived at the incident site and initiated rescue and relief operations. Coordinating efforts with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire Brigade, National Highway authorities, and the Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, employees were swiftly dispatched to the scene.
