Chamoli Tunnel Collapse: 20 Workers Trapped Inside THDC Project Tunnel, 13 Rescued Safely
Chamoli Tunnel Collapse Triggers Major Rescue Operation
A major accident has been reported in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district after a section of an under-construction tunnel at the Pipalkoti THDC Hydroelectric Project collapsed. According to information received from the local administration, around 20 workers were inside the tunnel when the incident took place.
The sudden collapse of part of the tunnel caused panic among the workers and people in the surrounding area. Water also entered the tunnel following the incident, making the rescue operation more challenging. Rescue teams and the local administration immediately began efforts to reach the workers trapped inside.
So far, 13 workers have reportedly been brought out of the tunnel safely. Rescue operations are continuing to ensure that all those still inside are located and brought to safety.
Tunnel Collapse at Pipalkoti THDC Hydroelectric Project
The incident occurred at a tunnel being constructed as part of the Pipalkoti THDC Hydroelectric Project in Chamoli district. The accident reportedly happened when a portion of the tunnel suddenly gave way following landslide-related activity.
At the time of the accident, 20 workers were carrying out work inside the tunnel. The sudden collapse created difficult conditions underground, while water entering the affected section added to the challenge faced by rescue personnel.
As soon as information about the accident reached the authorities, the district administration and rescue agencies moved into action. Teams were sent to the site and efforts were intensified to safely reach the workers who remained trapped inside.
The rescue operation is being carried out with the priority of bringing everyone out safely.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami Reviews the Situation
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been closely monitoring the situation following the Chamoli tunnel collapse. After receiving information about the accident, the Chief Minister sought details from senior officials and directed the authorities to take immediate steps for the rescue operation.
According to the information provided by the administration, teams from the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force were dispatched to the affected area after the incident was reported.
The district administration and other agencies involved in the rescue operation have been instructed to work together and speed up the response. Officials have also been asked to ensure that all necessary resources are made available at the site.
पीपलकोटी स्थित THDC टनल के भीतर मलबा एवं पानी आने की सूचना प्राप्त हुई है।
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) August 13, 2026
घटना की गंभीरता को देखते हुए @NDRFHQ और @uksdrf की टीमों को तत्काल मौके पर भेजा गया है। जिला प्रशासन सहित सभी संबंधित एजेंसियों को युद्धस्तर पर राहत एवं बचाव अभियान चलाने के निर्देश दिए हैं।
स्वयं भी…
Government Focuses on Bringing Every Trapped Worker to Safety
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is reportedly in regular contact with senior officials and is receiving updates on the rescue operation.
The government has made it clear that the immediate priority is to safely evacuate every worker who may still be trapped inside the tunnel. Officials have been instructed to maintain close coordination during the rescue effort and ensure that there is no negligence in the operation.
All possible assistance is being provided to those affected by the incident. The state government is also keeping a close watch on developments as rescue teams continue their work at the site.
The challenging conditions inside the tunnel, including the presence of water, have increased the difficulties for the teams involved. Despite these challenges, rescue personnel are continuing their efforts to reach the remaining workers and bring them out safely.
Continuous Rain Creates Additional Challenges in Chamoli
The tunnel accident comes at a time when Chamoli has been experiencing continuous rainfall for the past several days. Heavy rain reportedly intensified in the region on Monday afternoon, raising concerns in several parts of the mountainous district.
Mountain areas can quickly experience rising water levels in streams and small drains following heavy rainfall. The Tamak Nala in the region also witnessed a rapid rise in water flow, creating concern among local residents.
Although there were no reports of major loss of life or extensive property damage in the area at the time of the report, the situation remained tense because of the heavy flow of water and continuing weather-related challenges.
Iron Bridge Washed Away in Tamak Area
The heavy flow of water also affected infrastructure in the Tamak area. A new iron bridge had been constructed there by the Border Roads Organisation. The bridge was considered important for local transportation as well as for the strategically significant region.
However, the sudden rise in water in the nala reportedly swept the bridge away within a short period. Live visuals showed the bridge structure severely damaged and eventually submerged in the rapidly flowing water.
The incident highlights the difficulties faced by the mountainous region during periods of intense rainfall. Sudden landslides, rising water levels and damage to roads and bridges can make rescue and transportation operations particularly difficult.
Also read: Nita Ambani Donates Rs 21 Crore for Assam Flood Relief as Vantara Rescues Stranded Animals
Rescue Efforts Continue After Chamoli Tunnel Collapse
The Chamoli Tunnel Collapse has prompted an immediate response from disaster management teams, the district administration and other agencies. With 13 of the 20 workers reportedly rescued so far, attention remains focused on locating and safely evacuating those who may still be inside the tunnel.
Authorities are continuing to assess the situation at the accident site while rescue teams work under challenging conditions. Senior officials are maintaining communication with the teams on the ground and monitoring the progress of the operation.
The priority remains clear: every worker inside the tunnel must be brought out safely. Further details about the rescue operation and the condition of the workers are expected as authorities continue to provide updates.
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