Uttarakhand tunnel collapse leaves 7 dead and 14 injured at THDC project in Chamoli
A massive multi-agency rescue operation is underway in Pipalkoti after a sudden landslide and water seepage triggered a partial collapse inside the THDC tunnel
A partial collapse inside an under-construction THDC tunnel at Mayapur near Pipalkoti in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district killed seven workers and left 14 others injured following a sudden landslide and heavy water seepage on Thursday evening.
According to officials, the tragedy unfolded around 7 pm within a tunnel belonging to the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC)-owned Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project, where HCC was handling construction work. A total 22 people were working at the project site of THDC in Chamoli’s Pipalkoti when heavy water suddenly surged inside. Reports indicated that the powerful current swept several workers towards the tunnel’s exit.
State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) officials confirmed that 22 workers got trapped inside after the unexpected landslide and water influx.
Authorities immediately launched a multi-agency effort to save them. Rescuers managed to pull out 21 workers by 11 pm, though seven were pronounced dead and 14 survivors were rushed for medical treatment, officials confirmed.
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The multi-agency rescue operation is being carried out by 57 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 42 from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), 21 from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), 22 from local police stations, nine fire personnel, and four from the District Disaster Response Force (DDRF).
Rescue operations underway
Senior officials remain on-site overseeing relief and rescue tasks, while heavy machinery and specialised equipment provided by HCC have been deployed to clear rubble and assist teams.
Officials noted that rescue efforts are ongoing, with local authorities keeping a close eye on developments. District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar mentioned that around 6:30 pm, a heavy torrent of water and mud rushed into the tunnel where construction was actively taking place.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed authorities to execute all rescue work on a war footing, adding that he is receiving constant updates directly from officials on the ground.
“I spoke to the injured workers admitted to hospital; their condition is stable. I have also informed the chief ministers of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh that their residents, those injured or involved in the incident, are receiving treatment here. I have also spoken to the chief medical superintendent,” the chief minister said.