Forty workers remain trapped in a collapsed road tunnel in northern India, entering their seventh day of captivity. Rescuers are awaiting the arrival of a new drilling machine that will enable them to clear the rubble and reach the workers. Efforts were temporarily halted on Friday when the machine’s bearings were damaged due to the breaking of rocks and clearing of debris. However, a new machine is expected to arrive at the site today, allowing drilling to resume. Authorities have already covered a stretch of 24 meters but estimate that up to 60 meters may need to be drilled to free the trapped workers.
Earlier attempts to create an escape tunnel using welded pipes were hindered by a cracking sound from within the tunnel, causing damage to the machine. Frustration and anger are growing among the families of the trapped workers, who have been camping near the site, seeking updates. Krishna Patel, whose nephew is among the trapped, expressed his frustration with the changing timelines and uncertainties surrounding the rescue operation.
Although some of the workers reported fever and body aches, officials have stated that their condition has not deteriorated. Nuts, roasted chickpeas, popcorn, and medicine are being sent to them through a pipe every two hours. Two doctors at the site are in regular contact with the trapped workers to monitor their physical and mental well-being.
The workers were trapped on Sunday when a landslide caused a portion of the tunnel they were building to collapse. The area is prone to landslides and subsidence due to its hilly terrain. The tunnel is part of the Chardham all-weather road project, which connects several Hindu pilgrimage sites and sees a constant influx of tourists.
Rescue efforts have involved approximately 200 personnel using drilling equipment and excavators. A previous machine used in the operation was deemed too slow, prompting its replacement with an American Auger machine capable of drilling up to 5 meters per hour. Rescuers are now awaiting the arrival of another American Auger machine to replace the damaged one. In addition, state officials have reached out to Thai experts who successfully rescued a youth soccer team trapped in a cave in 2018, as well as the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, for potential assistance.
