GOPESHWAR/DEHRADUN: The tragic Chamoli tunnel accident has claimed another life, bringing the death toll to nine after rescuers recovered the body of one missing worker on Tuesday. The incident, which occurred on August 13, has profoundly affected the local community.
Chamoli District Disaster Management Officer NK Joshi confirmed the body’s discovery during ongoing search operations involving multiple agencies. The deceased has been sent to Gopeshwar District Hospital for identification, emphasizing the urgent efforts to bring closure to the affected families.
Officials reported that the landslide responsible for the accident filled the three-kilometre-long tunnel with debris and water. Currently, one worker remains unaccounted for, and efforts are ongoing to locate him. In addition, twelve other workers sustained injuries during the incident.
Authorities have mobilized a comprehensive rescue and relief operation, rallying the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and local police, among others, to assist in the search efforts.
Efforts to navigate the treacherous conditions inside the tunnel continue despite the presence of hazardous sludge. Officials reported that teams are actively coordinating to facilitate the search, overcoming significant challenges posed by the accumulated debris.
The ongoing operation has made some progress, as Chamoli District Information Officer Dheeraj Karki informed that rescuers have successfully retrieved three out of five JCB machines trapped inside the tunnel during the landslide. The recovery of these crucial machines has expedited the search for workers.
Rescue teams are diligently removing debris while simultaneously pumping out water using suction pumps and other resources to improve conditions within the tunnel. Authorities remain optimistic about recovering the last missing worker while highlighting the life-threatening risks that rescuers face.
This incident has raised awareness about safety measures and operational protocols in the region’s infrastructure projects. The grief-stricken families of victims are anxiously awaiting news as the community rallies support for the affected.
