Six Workers Dead, 14 Injured in Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse

Six workers have died and 14 others sustained injuries following an incident where water and debris entered an under-construction tunnel in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The event occurred at a hydroelectric project site on Thursday.

What Happened

Water and debris entered a tunnel at the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) Limited’s project site in the Pipalkoti area. Construction work at the site is being carried out by Hindustan Construction Company (HCC). Officials reported that 22 workers were trapped inside the tunnel. Twenty individuals have since been removed from the site; six were confirmed deceased, and the remaining 14 are receiving treatment for their injuries at a local hospital. Information regarding the status of two workers was not immediately available.

Key Facts

• Six people died and 14 sustained injuries.
• The incident occurred on Thursday in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand.
• Water and debris entered an under-construction tunnel at a hydroelectric project site.
• Twenty-two workers were trapped; 20 have been brought out.
• The project is managed by Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) Limited.
• Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) is undertaking the construction.

Background

Rescue operations were immediately launched, with Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) responding. An NDRF team from Rudraprayag was dispatched to Pipalkoti, and units from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Army were also deployed. District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar was present at the scene to oversee the operations. Chief Minister Dhami directed all agencies to conduct relief and rescue efforts urgently. The Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Department reported continuous monitoring from emergency operation centres, with plans to deploy additional teams if necessary.