In a race against time, rescue operations at the site of the Uttarakhand tunnel collapse have faced a setback as a drilling machine snag brings the effort to a temporary halt. The incident, which occurred on November 12, has left 41 construction workers trapped for nearly 170 hours, raising concerns about their well-being.
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Families of the trapped workers, anxiously awaiting their loved ones’ safe return, have gathered at the accident site. The brother of one of the workers expressed the urgent need for a swift rescue, fearing a deterioration in the health of the trapped individuals.
The rescue operation initially faced challenges as falling debris impeded progress during drilling. A sudden “cracking sound” from the machine led to the suspension of drilling activities on Friday evening. However, a second heavy drill has been swiftly deployed to the accident site, and operations are set to resume imminently.
While officials assure that all workers are safe and receiving essential supplies of food and water through drilled steel pipes, the prolonged confinement has prompted concerns from medical professionals. Doctors stress the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation for the trapped workers, considering potential mental and physical implications resulting from their extended confinement.
The collapse of a portion of the under-construction Silkyara Tunnel initiated the crisis, prompting intensive efforts to clear debris and create a passage for the workers’ safe evacuation. The Indian Air Force has played a crucial role in the rescue mission, flying in a second drilling machine from Indore on a C-130 Hercules military plane.
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As the nation holds its breath, hoping for a successful and swift rescue, the article sheds light on the challenges faced by the trapped workers and the collaborative efforts underway to bring them to safety.