Seven people were killed and 14 others injured after a landslide and water seepage occurred inside an under-construction tunnel at a hydroelectric project site in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Thursday evening.
The incident took place at the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) project site in the Pipalkoti area, where workers were engaged in construction activities. Following the mishap, rescue teams launched a massive operation to evacuate those trapped inside the tunnel.
A total of 21 people have been brought out of the tunnel so far. Seven of them were declared dead, while 14 others sustained injuries and were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Rescue and relief operations continued amid challenging conditions caused by the landslide and water seepage.
The incident triggered concern among authorities, with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami taking note of the situation. He directed all concerned agencies to intensify rescue and relief efforts and conduct the operations on a war footing.
The administration and rescue agencies have been coordinating efforts at the project site to ensure that all possible assistance reaches those affected. Emergency teams have been deployed to assess the situation inside the tunnel and secure the area for continued rescue operations.
The accident has once again highlighted the risks involved in construction work in Uttarakhand's mountainous terrain, where landslides, heavy water flow and unstable geological conditions can pose serious challenges to major infrastructure projects.
Authorities are expected to assess the circumstances that led to the landslide and water seepage and examine whether all necessary safety measures were in place at the project site.
Further details regarding the identities of the deceased and injured workers, as well as the exact cause of the incident, are awaited.
Leave Your Comment