Chamoli Tunnel Accident: 7 Workers Dead, 3 Missing; CM Dhami Reaches Site, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Speaks to Him

An accident at an under-construction tunnel in Chamoli district's Pipalkoti has shaken the entire region. Seven workers have died so far after water and heavy debris rushed into the tunnel, while three workers remain missing. Teams from the NDRF, SDRF and ITBP have been continuously searching for those trapped inside since the accident occurred.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reached Pipalkoti on Friday despite poor weather conditions to take stock of the situation. He gathered information on the rescue operation from the administration, police, SDRF, NDRF and other relief agencies present at the site and issued necessary instructions to officials. The Chief Minister is also expected to meet the injured workers who were rescued to check on their condition.

Water and debris suddenly flooded the tunnel

The accident took place in the THDC tunnel being built in the Mayapur area. Workers were reportedly working the first shift around 1.8 kilometres inside the mouth of the tunnel when a major landslide occurred. At the time, grouting work was underway following the packing of a cavity.

Suddenly, a loud blast-like sound was heard, and as part of the cavity collapsed, water and heavy debris began flooding into the tunnel. Workers at the site were caught off guard and trapped. Following the accident, the injured were pulled out and taken to hospital, with some reported to be in a critical condition.

Search continues for 3 of the 22 affected workers

According to reports, a total of 22 workers were affected in the accident. Of these, 7 have died, while 3 workers remain untraced. Relief teams are focusing entirely on locating the missing workers. Six personnel involved in the rescue operation are reported to be safe.

The project is part of the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project being built on the Alaknanda river in the Hat Siyasain area. The 444 MW project by THDC-NTPC has already completed around 3.5 kilometres of tunnel construction, with roughly 70 per cent of the overall project reportedly complete.

Meanwhile, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has spoken to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami over the phone. Workers from Jharkhand's Khunti, Gumla and some other districts are reported to be among those trapped, and the Jharkhand government is in touch with the Uttarakhand administration. The state government has also issued a helpline number to assist the families of the affected workers.

At present, the biggest challenge is reaching the missing workers inside the tunnel. Relief agencies are continuing their operations despite poor weather, with all eyes on how quickly those trapped can be brought out safely.