A section of an under-construction tunnel at the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDC) project collapsed on Thursday in Pipalkoti, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. At least 10 people have been rescued so far, while 15 others are believed to be trapped under the debris. Preliminary reports suggest around 20 to 25 people were working inside the tunnel at the time of the incident.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that emergency rescue operations are underway. In a post on X, Dhami said teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Uttarakhand State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been dispatched to the site to clear the debris.
“Information has been received about debris and water entering the THDC tunnel located in Peepalkoti. Considering the seriousness of the incident, teams from @NDRFHQ and @uksdrf have been immediately dispatched to the site. Instructions have been issued to all relevant agencies, including the district administration, to carry out relief and rescue operations at a war footing. I myself am in constant contact with the officials and continuously gathering updates on the situation. Our topmost priority is to safely evacuate every person trapped inside the tunnel. I pray to God for the safe well-being of all,” Dhami wrote.
The cause of the collapse is yet to be determined, with authorities currently focused entirely on the rescue operation.
This is a developing story. More details to follow.