On November 12, 2023, a portion of the Silkyara Bend – Barkot tunnel collapsed. Around 41 workers were trapped inside the tunnel. The collapse took place at around 5:30 in the morning. Led by the National Disaster Rescue Force or the NDRF, a rescue operation was launched immediately. Now, according to reports, the rescue operation is in its final stages. Here are all the latest updates about the Uttarkashi tunnel rescue operation.
Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue: Operation In Its Final Stages
In the race against time, preparations to rescue the 41 workers trapped in Uttarkashi’s Silkayara tunnel are reaching their peak. Follow #Uttarkashi for the latest updates. pic.twitter.com/5sQkM6QLR6
— Hamrish (@Hamrish_) November 23, 2023
According to an article recently published by CNBC, tunnel experts from Roorkee and welding experts from Delhi have been called on the spot to assess and aid the situation. A hospital with 41 beds has also been readied in the Community Health Centre in the district of Chinyalisaur. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences or AIIMS have been put on high alert.
#WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue | Uttarkashi DM Abhishek Ruhela says “We have covered a majority of the distance and there is little work left. Our teams are continuously trying to overcome the technical problems that we are facing. We are taking advice from… pic.twitter.com/HsriUXif0W
— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2023
In addition to AIIMS, all other hospitals have also been kept on alert. Ambulance services are also on standby in case of emergencies. Currently, the rescuers are attempting to drill through the rubble to insert a pipe which is 800 millimetres wide for the workers to crawl through. So far, they have managed to successfully penetrate around 45 metres through the rubble.
#WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue | International Tunneling Expert, Arnold Dix reaches the Silkyara tunnel site where the rescue operation is underway to bring out the trapped workers.
Arnold Dix says “At the moment, it’s like we are there at the front door and we… pic.twitter.com/eBrhdk4LGP
— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2023
However, the drilling had to be halted for a few hours because rescuers faced an iron mesh obstruction. The obstruction was dealt with and the iron mesh was cut. Now, the drilling can be resumed. As per the latest updates, only 12 metres are remaining to be dug through to reach the trapped workers. It is hoped that the rescue operation will end soon with good news.
Also Read: Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapsed. Rescuers Make Contact With 40 Trapped Workers; They Are Safe
Good News Expected In A Matter Of Hours
Breaking: Final preparations are underway for the rescue mission at the Silkayara tunnel in Uttarkashi. Let’s send our collective hopes and prayers for the successful evacuation of the 41 workers. #UttarkashiTunnelCollapse pic.twitter.com/013axU7O1z
— Madhuri (@RaniMadhuriBai) November 23, 2023
Though the workers are trapped in the tunnel for quite a long time, food and supplies were being passed to them so that their health isn’t affected much. According to SP Arpan Yaduvanshi, the post-rescue plan is also in place. As per his statement cited in the CNBC article, the workers will be driven through the green corridor with police escorts.
Update: As the rescue operation reaches its crucial stage, let’s keep the 41 workers trapped in the Silkayara tunnel in Uttarkashi in our thoughts. Follow #UttarkashiTunnelCollapse for real-time updates. pic.twitter.com/PgQed3qLNi
— Aayush Pandey (@Hindurajya_) November 23, 2023
The best possible treatment will be provided to them as quickly as possible. It is estimated that the rescue operation will end in another one to two hours. Medical equipment has also reached the site of rescue. The trade unions in India highlighted how this incident exposes the callous attitude of the government towards worker safety.
#WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel incident | Uttarkashi SP Arpan Yaduvanshi says, “…Our post-rescue action plan is ready. We will take the workers through the green corridor with a police escort and make sure that the best possible treatment is being provided to them. I… pic.twitter.com/lZjmYOi8xB
— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2023
They said that the Silkyara Tunnel accident is another example that exposes the weakness of laws in place for the safety of labourers and workers in India. It is hoped that the officials will also solve this issue and review the safety standards for workers.
Also Read: Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse: Hot Khichdi Filled In Bottles Sent To Trapped Workers For 1st Time
What are your views on this rescue operation? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: @RaniMadhuriBai/X (Formerly, Twitter)
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