• Under-construction tunnel collapses in Uttarakhand, trapping 36 people

    National
    Under-construction tunnel collapses in Uttarakhand, trapping 36 people
    At least 36 workers are believed to be trapped within an under-construction tunnel in Uttarakhand...

    Digital Desk: The under-construction structure in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district collapsed on Saturday night, raising the possibility that at least 36 workers are trapped inside.

    The Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway tunnel connecting Silkyara to Dandalgaon is currently the scene of rescue operations, with police personnel and teams from the National and State Disaster Response Fund (NDRF & SDRF) scurrying to the scene.

    Vertical drilling equipment is being set up to cut through the debris, and oxygen pipes have been installed. The officials' current assessment is that it will take 2-3 days to evacuate the personnel.

    According to Uttarkashi SP Arpan Yaduvanshi, the tunnel has cracked roughly 200 metres before the beginning site.

    "According to HIDCL officials in charge of the tunnel's construction, approximately 36 people are trapped in the tunnel and efforts are being made to safely rescue them." 

    The police, NDRF, and SDRF teams are all on the scene. So far, no casualties have been recorded. "We will soon safely rescue all of the people," he stated.

    SDRF Commander Manikant Mishra stated that the men are carrying out relief and rescue operations on a war footing in collaboration with other rescue units.

    According to officials, all of the workers are reported safe.