Footage Records 41 Workers Stranded for 9 Days in Uttarakhand Tunnel

  • Publish date: Tuesday، 21 November 2023

Rescue efforts and footage revealed trapped workers in a collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand, India.

Related articles
Sheikh Zayed Road to be Temporarily Closed for COP28
10 Free Things at COP28 for UAE Residents to Check Out!
ICA Registration Needed for Travellers to Abu Dhabi

A positive development is happening nine days after a tunnel in Uttarakhand, India collapsed, trapping 41 workers. A camera successfully recorded footage of the workers trapped, recording them smiling and waving in front of the camera.

Video Footage and Meal Supply

Using an endoscopic camera inserted through a newly established six-inch diameter pipe on Monday, rescuers had a first glimpse of the workers' condition. Additionally, this pipe also served as a passageway for delivering the workers their hot meals after days of sustenance on dry snacks such as grams and fruits supplied through a narrower pipe earlier.

Tunnel Collapse and Contact Establishment

The accident happened on November 12 in Uttarkashi district due to a tunnel collapse after a landslide. Contact with the trapped workers was established immediately, supplying them with immediate necessities like oxygen, food, and water.

Communication and Supply Efforts

Officials utilized walkie-talkies for communication. After a camera attached to a flexible cable was inserted on Monday, officials immediately communicated with workers, prompting them to smile and identify themselves in front of the camera. Officials’ plans included cleaning the pipe to facilitate water supply and delivery of essential items like medicines, mobile phones, and chargers through the wider pipe.

Escalation of Rescue Operations

The rescue operation, entering its tenth day, encountered challenges due to loose soil and falling debris. Efforts are underway to dig a wider hole allowing workers to crawl out. At the same time, officials are working on two additional escape tunnels alongside the primary escape route.

Projections on Rescue Operations

Nitin Gadkari, Federal Highways and Roads Minister, estimated the rescue operation might extend for "two to three days" during his visit on Sunday, highlighting the complexity of the ongoing efforts.

Related articles