Efforts to rescue 41 workers trapped in an underground tunnel in Uttarakhand were temporarily halted after an earth drilling machine hit a metal obstruction. The obstruction was removed and drilling resumed, with approximately 13 meters of dirt and debris left to clear. Officials estimate that the rescue operation could take another six to seven hours. Bhaskar Khulbe, the Special Officer from Uttarakhand’s Tourism Department, expressed optimism that there would be no further obstructions. Arnold Dix, an international expert, also stated that they were close to reaching the trapped workers. Two additional teams of experts in tunnelling and welding have arrived at the site. RD Dwivedi, a Chief Scientist from the Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, and his colleagues were flown to the scene by helicopter. This is the second time drilling has been paused due to a metal obstruction, and on the previous occasion, steel rods were found in the debris. The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, one of the organizations involved in the operation, had stopped work previously due to the possibility of a further collapse. The rescue operation involves inserting three-feet-wide pipes into drilled holes to create an escape route for the workers. Over 44 pipes have been inserted so far, including six-inch tubes for communication and supplies. A makeshift hospital with 41 beds has been set up, and 41 ambulances are on standby to transport the workers to the hospital. Local police will create a “green corridor” to ensure swift transportation. The government has not provided a specific timeframe for the rescue operation due to the cautious approach taken to avoid causing a second collapse.
Race Against Time: Tunnel Rescue Operation Reboots with Merely 10 Meters to Go
