Tunnel collapse in India with 40 people trapped
Following the partial collapse of a tunnel shell in northern India, rescue workers have been able to make contact with the 40 or so trapped workers. They are safe and sound, according to a spokesperson for the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local media. The people inside had also been supplied with water and food. The rescuers were still about 35 meters away from the trapped victims.
The accident occurred early on Sunday morning for reasons as yet unexplained around 200 meters from the entrance to the freeway tunnel. The helpers had to work their way through mountains of rubble and debris, it was reported. Heavy machinery was also being used.
The approximately 4.5-kilometer-long tunnel is being built near the small town of Uttarkashi in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. According to a statement from the Indian government on the project, it is intended to shorten travel times in the region as well as protect the environment, as no trees need to be felled for it.
In light of the emergency situation, additional rescue efforts are being mobilized to expedite the extraction of the trapped individuals. Given the complexity of the accident site and ongoing construction nearby, traffic in the area has been diverted to ensure safety.
Source: www.dpa.com
