Huge Op to rescue 40 trapped in Uttarakhand tunnel
A multi-agency operation is being carried out to rescue 40 workers trapped inside a tunnel in Uttarakhand since yesterday morning.
An under-construction tunnel on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarkashi district partially collapsed at around 5 am yesterday, leaving 40 workers trapped inside.
The rescue operations are being conducted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) and the police.
A senior official told NDTV that all 40 workers are safe and are being supplied oxygen through a pipe. “Everyone is safe, we are in constant touch with the trapped workers,” said Prashant Kumar, Circle Officer, Uttarkashi.
Kumar said that communication has been established with the trapped workers and they have been sent water and food items.
He said that 20 metres of the slab has been removed so far to open the tunnel and prepare an escape passage for the workers, and around 35 metres are still to be covered. “The team is removing the debris using excavators and other heavy machines,” Kumar said.