Workers Trapped in Uttarkashi Tunnel for More Than 140 Hours, Families Concerned
GG News Bureau
Uttarkashi, 18th Nov. Dozens of workers have been trapped in a tunnel in Uttarakhand for nearly 150 hours. A large drill is being used to rescue them, but the rescue operations had to stop yesterday evening due to a sudden cracking sound and a problem with the drilling machine.
Officials have announced that another heavy drill will be brought to the accident site by air, and operations are expected to resume at 10 am.
#WATCH | Uttarakhand: Uttarkashi tunnel rescue | Morning visuals from the spot; relief and rescue work halted at Silkyara Tunnel
Speaking to ANI Anshu Manish Khulko, Director of the tunnel-making company NHIDCL, said that at present the drilling work in the tunnel has stopped.… pic.twitter.com/ZhNAsdAtRX
— ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2023
The 40 workers have been stuck since Sunday morning when a part of the tunnel collapsed. Officials have confirmed that all workers are safe and are receiving food and water through steel pipes that have been drilled into the opening.
The families of the trapped workers have arrived at the accident site and are becoming increasingly worried. The brother of one of the workers expressed the urgency of rescuing them quickly before their health deteriorates.
Doctors have also stressed the importance of providing comprehensive rehabilitation for the trapped workers, as they fear that the prolonged confinement may have negative effects on their mental and physical well-being.
On November 12, a section of the under-construction Silkyara Tunnel collapsed, trapping 40 construction workers under the debris. The rescue efforts have been hindered by falling debris during drilling, as the rescuers try to create a space for the workers to crawl through to safety.
The drilling operations had to stop on Friday evening due to a significant cracking sound.
The Air Force has transported a second machine from Indore on a C-130 Hercules military plane, and operations are expected to resume soon.
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