Chamoli Tunnel Accident: Seven Killed After Floodwater Enters Tunnel Under Construction in Uttarakhand

Chamoli Tunnel Accident: A major accident occurred at an under construction tunnel in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand on Thursday evening after a large volume of water suddenly entered the site.

The incident took place at the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited project in Pipalkoti. Workers from HCC were carrying out construction activity inside the tunnel when the water reportedly entered between around 6.30 pm and 6.45 pm.

Rescue teams have so far brought 20 people out of the tunnel. Doctors confirmed that seven of them had died, while 13 others were injured and taken for medical treatment.

One of the injured workers was reported to be in a relatively serious condition and was shifted to the Base Hospital in Srinagar for further care.

The situation remained difficult for rescue personnel as a substantial amount of water accumulated inside the tunnel. Teams have been working to reach the remaining workers while dealing with the difficult conditions underground.

Officials said two people were still believed to be trapped inside the tunnel. Efforts were continuing to locate them and bring them out safely.

The scale of the incident prompted the deployment of multiple emergency response teams. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, Indian Army and Indo Tibetan Border Police were brought in to assist with the operation.

Chamoli District Collector Gaurav Kumar and NDRF officer Amrit Lal Meena were present at the site and were overseeing the rescue efforts. Officials have been coordinating the operation as teams continue working inside and around the affected tunnel.

The sudden entry of water has made the rescue operation more challenging. Teams need to carefully assess the conditions inside before moving further into the affected section.

The accident has raised serious concerns about the safety of workers involved in underground construction projects, particularly in areas where heavy rainfall and sudden water movement can create additional risks.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep concern over the incident and directed the authorities to treat the rescue operation as the highest priority.

Dhami said every effort should be made to bring out those still trapped inside safely. He also instructed the departments and agencies involved in the response to continue their work on an urgent basis.

The immediate focus remains on locating the two missing workers and providing medical support to those who have been injured. Rescue personnel are continuing their efforts despite the difficult conditions inside the tunnel.

Further details about what caused the sudden flow of water and the circumstances surrounding the accident are expected to emerge as officials assess the site and complete their preliminary investigation.

The death of seven workers has turned the incident into one of the most serious accidents reported at the construction site. Authorities are expected to examine the safety arrangements and circumstances that led to the sudden flooding.

For now, rescue teams remain focused on the workers who may still be inside, while the injured continue receiving medical attention at nearby hospitals.