Efforts to rescue 40 men trapped in a collapsed road tunnel in India have been paused due to concerns of another cave-in. The tunnel, located in the northern Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, collapsed last Sunday, and excavators have been working to remove debris ever since. However, rescue efforts have been hindered by ongoing falling debris and frequent breakdowns of heavy drilling machines. The government’s highways and infrastructure company, NHIDCL, announced that operations were halted after a cracking sound on Friday sparked fears of further collapse. Rescuers have been in communication with the trapped men using radios, and supplies such as food, water, oxygen, and medicine have been sent through a small pipe. However, the trapped workers are growing desperate and are eagerly awaiting their rescue. The drilling work to reach the men has been temporarily suspended, but other necessary efforts are still underway. Engineers are attempting to drive a steel pipe wide enough for the men to escape through. The rescue operation may take some time, according to NHIDCL director Anshu Manish Khalko. Relatives of those trapped in the tunnel have briefly spoken to their loved ones, who are exhausted and desperate for rescue. One construction worker pleaded with his brother not to inform their mother of his situation, as she would worry.
Rescue Operations in India’s Tunnel Halted Amidst Concerns of Imminent Cave-In
