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

In a devastating incident, a tunnel collapse in India’s northern hill state of Uttarakhand claimed the lives of at least seven workers, with a frantic search operation underway for three individuals still unaccounted for. The tragedy unfolded overnight when a powerful landslide, exacerbated by recent heavy rainfall, sent a torrent of water and debris surging into an under-construction tunnel belonging to the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDC) in Pipalkoti, located in the Chamoli district.

At the time of the catastrophic event, a total of 22 workers were present within the tunnel. While seven have been confirmed dead and three remain missing, the injured individuals are currently receiving medical attention. A comprehensive multi-agency effort has been mobilized to locate and rescue the trapped workers. Teams from the National and State Disaster Response Forces, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and fire services are actively involved in the arduous rescue mission.

Rescuers are facing significant challenges, battling rising water levels and continuous debris accumulation as they navigate the treacherous conditions within the tunnel. The state has been experiencing intense rainfall in the preceding days, further complicating the operation. Visuals released by local authorities depict rescue teams equipped with head-mounted torches, utilizing makeshift rafts to access the flooded sections of the tunnel.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami personally visited the collapse site on Friday morning to assess the situation and oversee the rescue efforts. In a public statement, Dhami affirmed the state’s unwavering commitment, stating, “Evacuating every worker safely is our topmost priority.”

This incident tragically echoes a similar event in 2023 when another tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand left 41 workers trapped for an agonizing 17 days before their eventual rescue. The recurring nature of such incidents highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety protocols and construction practices in the region’s challenging mountainous terrain.

Separately, as India prepares to celebrate its 80th Independence Day, a full-dress rehearsal for the parade has concluded at the historic Red Fort in Delhi. Meanwhile, national carrier Air India is grappling with mounting issues after an Airbus A320 flying from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden loss of altitude earlier this month. The pilot in command subsequently tested positive for marijuana, and a preliminary analysis by Airbus has revealed that the aircraft lost key flight controls for approximately four seconds during the incident.