70 hrs on, 40 workers still trapped: The current situation inside Uttarkashi tunnel

mangaloretoday.com

Uttarkashi, Nov 15, 2023: As many as 40 workers are still trapped under the debris of the collapsed under-construction tunnel between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi. More than 72 hours have passed since the incident was first reported on Sunday, following a landslide.

 

On Tuesday, rubble from the landslide fell on the collapsed part of the under-construction tunnel, hampering operations as well as injuring two rescue workers.

According to the details, at present, debris along more than 50 metres is still lying ahead of the trapped labourers and the said section has been reported to be extremely weak.

As rescue operations are still underway, the section is also holding JCB machines, power generators, construction materials and several other small machines, thus making it difficult to reach the other side.

By Wednesday evening, three special aircraft, carrying machines weighing 25 tons each, are expected to arrive at the spot. These machines would be helpful to break through the debris and transport the steel pipe to the other side for the rescue operation.

Reports said some parts of a machine broke after coming in contact with a boulder.

Rescue teams said they would insert an 800mm steel pipe along the debris for 50 metres, which would help them rescue the trapped labourers.

Earlier too, a pipe was inserted through the rubble inside the tunnel to prepare an escape passage for the trapped workers.

On health issues, the team said there was less risk of claustrophobia as the tunnel is approximately two kilometers in length. The workers were also being provided oxygen, food, water and medicines.

Authorities said they were in constant touch with the trapped workers through wireless radios.

Specialists from Delhi Metro and Indian Railways were also being contacted to provide assistance and suggestions so that the stranded workers can be taken out of the tunnel at the earliest.

Meanwhile, workers, family members and others held a protest outside the under-construction tunnel at Silkyara on Wednesday over the delay in rescuing labourers trapped inside for the last three days.

The protestors vented their anger over the absence of an alternative plan when the machines deployed for drilling the rubble to prepare an escape passage for trapped labourers did not work on Tuesday evening.

Courtesy: India Today