Chamoli Tunnel Accident: 7 Workers Killed After Landslide Triggers Water, Debris Surge

In Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, a landslide on Thursday night triggered a large surge of water and debris into an under-construction tunnel of the 444-MW Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project, killing seven workers.

Following the incident at around 7 pm, 22 workers were trapped inside the tunnel near Mayapur in Pipalkoti. Twelve workers have been rescued, while a search operation is underway for three others who remain missing.

NDRF, SDRF Lead Rescue Efforts

The rescue operation is being carried out by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), with support from the district administration and police. Efforts to establish safe access to the stranded workers have been hampered by the sudden inflow of water and debris.

Several workers were also injured and taken to Vivekananda Hospital in Pipalkoti for treatment. According to reports, two of the injured sustained serious injuries, including fractures. Six ambulances were deployed as part of the rescue and evacuation operation.

Landslip, Seepage Suspected Behind Tunnel Incident

Authorities suspect that a landslip and water seepage may have triggered the incident, while an investigation will determine the exact cause. Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) is constructing the tunnel for THDC India Limited.

Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar confirmed the deaths and said that rescue operations would continue until the missing workers are located. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed all agencies to carry out relief and rescue operations on a war footing.

Dhami Assures Rescue Efforts

CM Dhami also spoke to the chief ministers of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh regarding workers from their respective states. He assured them that the Uttarakhand government was making every possible effort to locate the missing workers and provide assistance to those who have been rescued.

The incident occurred at a construction site connected to the project's headrace tunnel, which is being built along the Alaknanda River.