GOPESHWAR/DEHRADUN: Rescue teams located one of two workers missing after last week’s tunnel accident in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, on Tuesday. The incident raises the official death toll to nine, as search operations continue for the remaining missing worker.
Officials stated that the body was discovered during ongoing rescue efforts launched immediately after the tragic accident on August 13. Chamoli District Disaster Management Officer NK Joshi confirmed that the body has been sent to Gopeshwar District Hospital for identification.
The landslide incident not only led to fatalities but also trapped numerous workers inside the tunnel, with approximately twelve others sustaining injuries. One worker remains unaccounted for, and coordinated rescue efforts are critical for ensuring their safe recovery.
Authorities have mobilized a joint rescue team consisting of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), among others. The teams are working tirelessly to locate the missing individual.
Despite significant challenges presented by sludge and debris inside the tunnel, the operation progresses. Officials noted that the conditions are hazardous, with several attempts being made to clear the area.
Rescue teams actively remove accumulated debris and rapidly pump out water using suction pumps and specialized equipment. Their efforts are focused on clearing pathways to facilitate searches for the missing worker.
Chamoli District Information Officer Dheeraj Karki informed PTI that three out of five JCB machines that were trapped inside the tunnel during the landslide have now been successfully recovered. The recovery of these machines is vital for expediting the search operations.
Karki expressed optimism about locating the remaining two machines, which are still trapped within the debris, stating that they would be extracted soon. The operations, due to their complexity, require coordinated teamwork and resources to optimize results.
As rescue efforts unfold, communities express concern and sympathy for the families affected by this unfortunate accident. Authorities continue to provide updates on the situation and reinforce the commitment to locate the missing worker.
