Tunnel collapses at an Indian hydropower project, killing at least 7

A tunnel collapsed at a hydropower project in northern Uttarakhand, India, resulting in at least seven worker fatalities. The Vishnugad-Pipalkoti hydroelectric project in Chamoli district experienced the collapse overnight. A rescue operation was initiated following a sudden surge of water and debris into the tunnel. Out of 22 workers in the tunnel, 12 were rescued while three remain missing.

Rescue teams from national and state forces, as well as the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and fire services, are combing the area for the remaining workers amid rapidly rising water levels. Construction accidents are frequent in India due to rapid infrastructure development, precarious geology, construction flaws, extreme weather, and inadequate safety measures, especially in the Himalayan region where tunnel projects face heightened risks.