GOPESHWAR/DEHRADUN: The tragic tunnel accident in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, has claimed nine lives following the recovery of another worker’s body on Tuesday. Officials confirmed the grim development, intensifying the ongoing search operations.
District Disaster Management Officer NK Joshi announced that the body was uncovered during extensive rescue efforts initiated in response to the landslide that occurred on August 13. The discovery raises the official death toll to nine, while one worker remains unaccounted for. The recovered body was transferred to Gopeshwar District Hospital for further identification.
Officials revealed that a total of twelve workers sustained injuries during the devastating incident. A multi-agency team, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), rapidly mobilized for rescue efforts following the accident.
Despite challenging conditions, rescuers continue to search tirelessly for the remaining missing worker. Rescue operations face significant obstacles due to heavy sludge filling the tunnel, hampering access. Authorities reported that teams are coordinating their efforts to navigate through adverse conditions to locate the final missing worker.
To expedite the search, teams are deploying suction pumps and other equipment for effective water removal, ensuring that search operations can progress. Chamoli District Information Officer Dheeraj Karki informed PTI that recovery efforts have successfully extricated three out of five JCB machines trapped within the three-kilometre-long tunnel.
The urgent rescue operations reflect a community united in the face of tragedy, as local police and disaster management teams work around the clock. “We are striving to clear the sludge and debris and remain optimistic about finding the missing person,” stated an official involved in the operations.
As rescue efforts continue, officials urge patience and resilience from the local community while highlighting the significant teamwork involved in this ongoing mission. The collective efforts of multiple agencies underscore the urgency and importance of locating the final missing worker as families await news of their loved ones.