Race Against Time: Rescuers Fight Obstacles to Save Trapped Workers in Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse

Authorities continue to race against time to rescue 40 trapped workers in a collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand. Five days after the accident, the rescue operation now hinges on the performance of a new drill machine airlifted from Delhi.

Over 100 hours have elapsed since 40 workers got stuck in an under-construction tunnel in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi. So far, authorities have been able to maintain contact with the trapped workers and are advising them to remain patient as they work to reach them.

The workers are said to be stuck 260 meters inside the Silkyara tunnel and authorities are drilling through the rubble using the new drill machine ‘Augur’. Augur can drill through 5 meters of debris in an hour said officials adding that they can’t predict a timeline due to the presence of obstacles in the form of boulders.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the situation at the Silkyara tunnel remains difficult; however, he added that if everything goes right, the trapped workers will be rescued soon