Uttarkashi, November 14:
Rescuers are working tirelessly to rescue 40 workers who have been trapped for two days after a portion of an under-construction tunnel collapsed in Uttarkashi, India. Authorities have initiated the process of inserting large-diameter mild steel pipes through the rubble using an auger machine to create an escape passage for the workers.
The trapped workers are safe and are being provided with oxygen, water, and light food items. Disaster Management Secretary Ranjit Kumar Sinha said authorities have set a target of rescuing the trapped laborers by Tuesday night or Wednesday.
The tunnel collapse occurred on Sunday morning following a landslide. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is the agency engaged in building the tunnel.
A six-bed temporary hospital has been set up near the tunnel, and 10 ambulances with medical teams are stationed to provide immediate medical care to the trapped workers after their evacuation.
Authorities are in contact with the trapped workers, and their morale has been boosted by the assurance that a huge rescue operation is underway.
