Uttarakhand Tunnel Tragedy: Landslide Traps Workers in Chamoli, Nine Dead; Rescue Operation Underway

Chamoli: A major accident struck the under-construction tunnel of THDC’s Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project in Pipalkoti, Chamoli, after a sudden surge of water, mud and debris flooded the tunnel. Several workers were trapped inside, triggering a massive rescue operation by the SDRF, NDRF and other agencies.

According to the latest information provided in the incident details, nine workers have died and several others have been injured, while rescue teams continue efforts to locate and evacuate those who may still be trapped. However, the figures have varied during the ongoing rescue operation as teams continue to assess the situation inside the tunnel.

Sudden gush of water and debris trapped workers
Chamoli Superintendent of Police Surjit Singh Panwar said the incident occurred between 6:30 pm and 6:45 pm. A massive flow of water and debris reportedly emerged from a cavity located around 1.8 kilometres inside the under-construction tunnel.

The sudden surge reached an area approximately 1.5 kilometres from the tunnel entrance, trapping workers inside. Rescue teams have been working continuously to clear the debris and drain the accumulated water.

Heavy machinery has been deployed at the site, while three large pumps are being used to remove water from the tunnel. Rising water and sludge levels have, however, made the rescue operation extremely challenging.

Injured workers admitted to hospital
Several rescued workers sustained injuries, with some reportedly in critical condition. The injured have been shifted to District Hospital, Gopeshwar, for treatment. Authorities have also made arrangements for advanced medical care should any worker require urgent referral.

Officials said the deceased and injured workers belong to different states, including Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami reviews rescue operation
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the situation at the State Emergency Operation Center following the incident. He directed officials to ensure that rescue operations continue without any lapse and that every possible effort is made to bring the trapped workers to safety.

Dhami said NDRF and SDRF teams were dispatched immediately after the administration received information about the accident. Senior officials and rescue agencies remain deployed at the site.

The administration is closely monitoring the situation as rescue personnel continue clearing debris and pumping out water from the tunnel.

Heavy rain washes away BRO bridge in Tamak Nala
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall in Chamoli also triggered a flash flood in the Tamak Nala area. The rapidly rising water washed away a newly constructed steel bridge built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

The bridge was considered important for local connectivity as well as strategic movement in the mountainous region. Dramatic visuals showed the structure being overwhelmed by the powerful flow of water before collapsing and being swept away.

The heavy rain also reportedly damaged apple crops belonging to local farmers. With several streams and rivers in the mountainous district prone to sudden rises during intense rainfall, authorities and residents remain on alert.

Rescue teams are continuing their efforts at the tunnel site, with the priority remaining the safe evacuation of every worker who may still be trapped underground.