LOGIN

Operation Underway to Rescue 41 Workers Trapped in Collapsed Tunnel in India for 17 Days

by Gabriel Martinez
6 comments
Rescue operation

In a heroic rescue effort, responders in India are now in the process of extracting 41 construction workers who had been trapped within a collapsed mountain tunnel for an arduous 17-day period in the northern region of the country. This significant operation commenced today, and as per a report from the reputable Press Trust of India, one worker has successfully been brought to safety thus far. The laborers are being painstakingly extracted through a specially constructed passageway consisting of interconnected welded pipes, previously inserted by determined rescuers through layers of dirt and rocks.

The entire nation has been closely following this harrowing rescue mission, which began on November 12th when a landslide resulted in the collapse of a section of the 4.5-kilometer (2.8-mile) tunnel being constructed in Uttarakhand state, approximately 200 meters (650 feet) from the entrance. During their confinement, these resilient workers sustained themselves with limited provisions of food and a vital supply of oxygen provided through narrow steel pipes. Following their liberation, they will receive medical attention at a makeshift health center set up inside the 13-meter (42.6 feet) wide tunnel, according to officials.

Previously, we reported on the utilization of hand-held drilling tools to create an escape route for the trapped workers. A dedicated team of approximately a dozen individuals worked tirelessly overnight, taking turns to manually break through rocks and debris, effectively reaching the final phase of this remarkable rescue mission.

The decision to resort to manual digging arose after a drilling machine irreparably malfunctioned on Friday while attempting to penetrate the challenging terrain of Uttarakhand. Prior to this setback, the machine had successfully bored through approximately 47 meters (nearly 154 feet) of the estimated 57-60 meters (nearly 187-196 feet) required for the rescue effort. Subsequently, rescuers undertook the demanding task of manually excavating a passage to facilitate the workers’ evacuation, and they have managed to drill through more than 58 meters (190 feet) thus far.

As the sun began to set on this momentous Tuesday, families eagerly congregated near the accident site, anxiously awaiting the long-anticipated reunion with their loved ones. Jaimal Singh, hopeful to reunite with his trapped brother Gabbar Singh, expressed optimism, stating, “Even nature looks cheerful today… the weather is good. Let’s hope this ends soon.”

Rescue teams have ingeniously inserted pipes into the dug-out sections and securely welded them together to accommodate the transportation of the workers on wheeled stretchers.

These laborers have endured their ordeal since November 12th, when the initial landslide incident led to the section’s collapse while constructing the 4.5-kilometer (2.8-mile) tunnel. As a contingency plan, rescuers also commenced the creation of a vertical channel using a newly replaced drilling machine.

Initially anticipated to conclude within a few days, this extensive rescue operation has stretched into weeks, prompting officials to refrain from providing a specific timeline for its completion. Arnold Dix, an international tunneling expert aiding in the rescue, expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing progress, emphasizing, “I just feel good. The drilling on top of the mountain is coming along perfectly, in the tunnel, it’s coming along very well. I have never said ‘I feel good’ before.”

Most of the trapped workers hail from diverse regions across the country, making them migrant laborers. Their families have converged on the location, enduring days of waiting in hopes of reuniting with their loved ones.

Authorities have diligently supplied the trapped workers with hot meals via a 6-inch (15-centimeter) pipe, following days of subsisting solely on dry rations dispatched through a narrower conduit. Furthermore, a separate pipe has been employed to provide the necessary oxygen, with over a dozen medical professionals, including psychiatrists, on-site to monitor their well-being.

The tunnel under construction was intended to serve as part of the Chardham all-weather road, designed to connect various Hindu pilgrimage sites. Some experts have voiced concerns that this federal government flagship initiative may exacerbate the already fragile conditions in the upper Himalayas, where several towns are situated atop landslide debris.

Uttarakhand, with its many Hindu temples and increasing numbers of pilgrims and tourists, has witnessed the ongoing development of buildings and roadways, contributing to the region’s growth and transformation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rescue operation

Q: What led to the workers being trapped in the tunnel in India?

A: The workers became trapped in the tunnel due to a landslide that occurred on November 12th, causing a section of the tunnel, which was under construction in Uttarakhand state, to collapse about 200 meters from the entrance.

Q: How long were the workers trapped underground?

A: The workers endured a grueling 17 days underground before rescue operations began.

Q: How were the trapped workers sustained during their confinement?

A: The workers survived on a limited supply of food and oxygen, which were provided to them through narrow steel pipes.

Q: What methods were used in the rescue operation?

A: Initially, a drilling machine was used to create an escape route, but it malfunctioned, leading to manual excavation by a dedicated team of workers using hand-held drilling tools. Additionally, pipes were inserted and welded together to transport the workers on wheeled stretchers.

Q: What is the significance of the tunnel being constructed?

A: The tunnel was part of the Chardham all-weather road project, connecting various Hindu pilgrimage sites. However, some experts have expressed concerns that this project may exacerbate fragile conditions in the upper Himalayas.

Q: Were there any medical provisions for the trapped workers?

A: Yes, the authorities supplied the trapped workers with hot meals and oxygen through separate pipes. More than a dozen medical professionals, including psychiatrists, were present at the rescue site to monitor their health.

Q: How did families of the trapped workers stay informed during the rescue efforts?

A: Families gathered near the accident site and awaited updates on the rescue operation. They endured days of waiting with the hope of reuniting with their loved ones soon.

Q: Did the rescue operation encounter any unexpected challenges?

A: Yes, the drilling machine initially used in the operation broke down due to the challenging mountainous terrain of Uttarakhand. This led to the decision to manually excavate a passageway for the rescue effort.

Q: What has been the public response to this rescue mission?

A: The entire nation has been closely following this rescue mission, which has garnered significant attention and support from the public and the media.

More about Rescue operation

You may also like

6 comments

Reader123 November 29, 2023 - 12:13 am

oh man, wat a tough situation for thos workers, 17 days stuck in tunnel is no joke! gr8 job by rescuers!

Reply
NewsHound42 November 29, 2023 - 12:39 am

india always facin landslides, need bettr safety for workers, but glad they got out okay

Reply
InfoSeeker99 November 29, 2023 - 1:42 am

thanks for the links, gonna read more on this, vry interestin story

Reply
TechNerd77 November 29, 2023 - 3:17 am

manual digging afta drill broke? that sounds so tough, props to the rescue team

Reply
HopefulFam November 29, 2023 - 10:06 am

i cnt imagin waitin 17 days to c my fam member, hopin evryone reunites safely

Reply
CuriousCat November 29, 2023 - 11:15 am

y they buildin tunnels in such risky places tho? hmm

Reply

Leave a Comment

BNB – Big Big News is a news portal that offers the latest news from around the world. BNB – Big Big News focuses on providing readers with the most up-to-date information from the U.S. and abroad, covering a wide range of topics, including politics, sports, entertainment, business, health, and more.

Editors' Picks

Latest News