Uttarakhand tunnel accident: Death toll rises to 8, search on for 2 more workers

Death toll in the Uttarakhand tunnel accident climbs to eight following a landslide in Chamoli district. The body of a laborer, identified as Devnath from Chhattisgarh, was recovered on Saturday and sent to a hospital. Eight workers trapped inside the under-construction Tail Race Tunnel (TRT) of the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project have succumbed to their injuries.

Twenty-two workers were initially trapped when water and debris surged into the tunnel at Chainage 1440 meters (face-II) on Thursday evening, causing a loud noise. The Tehri Hydro Development Corporation India Limited (THDCIL) stated that the incident occurred while workers from Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) were engaged in concrete lining work at Chainage 1230 metres.

Rescue efforts, involving personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Army, CISF, and the Uttarakhand Police, are ongoing. Underwater cameras and dog squads are assisting in the search for the remaining two workers.