Workers trapped in Uttarakhand tunnel for over 150 hours, rescue operations come to a halt after drilling machine breaks down

Rescue operations have come to a halt in Uttarakhand’s Silkyara where an under-construction tunnel collapsed on November 12, trapping 41 workers. It has been over 150 hours since the tunnel caved in, and the operations were stopped on Friday owing to a loud and sudden ‘large-scale cracking sound’ from the drilling machine. The Air Force has flown in another machine from Indore and the operations are expected to resume soon.

The workers trapped inside are being supplied with food, water and other basic amenities through steel pipes that have been drilled in. Families of those trapped inside have already reached the accident spot and have urged the rescue workers to evacuate their loved ones before their health deteriorates any further. Prolonged confinement may have a severe impact on the physical and mental health of those trapped inside, fear the doctors. The medical fraternity has suggested the need for comprehensive rehabilitation of the 41 workers.

Drilling machines were brought to the accident spot to evacuate the 41 workers trapped in the debris; a passage was being created to enable the workers to crawl out to safety. The rescue operation was stopped after a ‘large-scale cracking sound’ was heard. Anshu Manish Khulko, the Director of the tunnel-making company NHIDCL stated that the work has been stopped as the drilling machine broke down.

The Silkyara tunnel collapsed on November 12, trapping 41 construction workers inside. Teams of rescue workers were rushed to the spot, but the efforts were slowed down by falling debris during the drilling process. Another drilling machine has been flown in from Indore, and the rescue efforts are expected to start soon.