Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Debris removal still underway, around 40 workers trapped

Digital Desk: All forty workers who were stranded in a tunnel under construction on the Char Dham route are safe, according to authorities. The workers are being provided with food and water, but the rescue effort may extend up to two more days.

After visiting the location, Secretary of Disaster Management Ranjit Kumar Sinha said that Tuesday or Wednesday night would make a good time to rescue the stranded labourers.

A portion of the Yamunotri National Highway tunnel collapsed on Sunday, leaving 40 construction workers trapped inside. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), jointly with local government officials and police, launched rescue efforts right away.

According to Superintendent of Police (Uttarkashi) Arpan Yaduvanshi, the work involves clearing debris out of the 13-meter-wide tunnel using a Poclain machine and two JCBs. The workers who are imprisoned will need to travel about 60 meters to reach the escape route that is now being constructed.