A major emergency unfolded in the Pipalkoti area of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand when an under-construction DRT tunnel experienced a sudden inflow of heavy debris and water. The tunnel, being constructed by HCC as a subsidiary for THDC's hydropower project, had more than 20 workers on duty inside when the collapse occurred during the evening hours. Local authorities, alongside specialized rescue forces, immediately launched a coordinated effort to rescue the trapped personnel.
War-Footing Rescue Operation Successfully Extracts 16 Workers
Following the disaster notification, team members from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local administration mobilized to the spot with heavy machinery. Rescue personnel worked continuously to breach the blockage inside the cavernous space. Through these intensive efforts, 16 trapped workers have been successfully brought out of the tunnel so far. Emergency teams are continuing their operations to safely reach and extract the remaining workers still inside.
Medical Evaluation at Gopeshwar District Hospital
Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar reached the site promptly after receiving news of the incident to supervise the rescue strategy directly. He detailed that the influx of mud and water occurred between 6:30 PM and 6:45 PM while workers were actively carrying out their routine duties. All 16 rescued individuals are being transported directly to Gopeshwar District Hospital, where medical staff remain on standby to administer comprehensive health checks and necessary treatment.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami Orders Full Mobilization
Expressing deep concern over the incident at the THDC construction site, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami instructed all involved agencies to execute the relief operations on a war footing. The Chief Minister emphasized that retrieving every trapped individual safely remains the absolute highest priority for the state administration. He directed NDRF, SDRF, and district administrative departments to maintain strict inter-agency coordination without any operational delays.
Assistance to Families and Historical Context of Tunnel Accidents
Chief Minister Dhami stated that he is maintaining continuous communication with top officials to receive minute-by-minute updates on the ground situation. He assured that all required resources and medical assistance will be provided to the impacted workers and their family members. This event follows a previous industrial incident in the region, such as in December last year when a collision between two locomotive trains inside a Chamoli tunnel resulted in injuries to 70 people.
