Operation to rescue 40 workers trapped in collapsed tunnel continues in India

Part of an under-construction tunnel in India caved in during the early hours of Sunday, November 12, trapping 40 workers inside.

Furthermore, the incident took place at 5.30 a.m. local time, in the 4,531-meter-long Silkyara tunnel, which is located in Uttarkashi.

The workers are trapped approximately 260 meters deep within the tunnel, while water, food, medicine, and oxygen are being provided to them through pipes by the rescuers.

It has been reported by the authorities that the trapped workers are uninjured, while communication with them has been made possible via walkie-talkies.

However, some of them have also been reported to experience symptoms of anxiety, headaches, and nausea, while doctors are present outside the tunnel’s entrance.

The first rescue efforts were unsuccessful, as the machinery used was unable to drill through the rubble, and falling debris also hampered the crews’ efforts.

Recue personnel from Thailand are helping on-site, while the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) is also offering guidance regarding operations held inside the tunnel.

A state-of-the-art, American-made, auger drilling machine was flown on site in three parts, which was assembled and put in operation to create a 900mm diameter passage for the workers to crawl through.

The new machinery is expected to dig at a rate of five meters per hour and fit the excavation with mild steel pipes.