India news: 7 dead, 3 trapped in Uttarakhand tunnel collapse

A tragic incident has occurred in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, where at least seven workers have lost their lives following a devastating landslide that inundated an under-construction tunnel. The calamity, which struck overnight, saw water and debris surge into a tunnel belonging to the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDC) in Pipalkoti, situated in the Chamoli district. As of Friday, rescuers are still engaged in an urgent operation to locate and extract three individuals who remain trapped within the subterranean passages.

At the time of the catastrophic event, a total of 22 workers were present inside the tunnel. While some have been accounted for and those injured are receiving medical attention, the focus remains intensely on the missing. Rescue teams, comprising members from the National and State Disaster Response Forces, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and local fire services, are coordinating a multi-agency effort at the site. Their arduous task is compounded by the challenging conditions, including rising water levels and continuous debris flow, exacerbated by the recent heavy rainfall that has afflicted the region. Visual documentation shared by local authorities depicts rescue personnel equipped with head-mounted torches, navigating the flooded sections of the tunnel using makeshift rafts, underscoring the perilous nature of their mission.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami personally visited the scene of the collapse on Friday morning to assess the situation and oversee the ongoing rescue operations. Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Dhami stated, “Evacuating every worker safely is our topmost priority.” This disaster evokes painful memories of a similar incident in 2023, where 41 workers were trapped in a Uttarakhand tunnel for 17 days before a successful rescue. The recurring nature of such incidents highlights the inherent risks associated with infrastructure projects in this geologically volatile region. Further details on the immediate aftermath and ongoing rescue efforts can be found in this India news report.

Beyond this immediate tragedy, the broader Indian news landscape is also grappling with other significant developments. Air India, the nation’s flag carrier, is facing mounting scrutiny following an incident earlier this month where an Airbus A320 flying from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden loss of altitude. Disturbingly, the pilot in command later tested positive for marijuana. A preliminary analysis by Airbus indicates that the aircraft lost key flight controls for approximately four seconds during the incident, raising serious safety concerns. Meanwhile, the nation is preparing to celebrate its 80th Independence Day tomorrow, with a full-dress rehearsal for the parade already concluded at the historic Red Fort in the capital, amidst these unfolding events.