Rescuers frantically dig through dirt and debris as 40 workers remain trapped in a road tunnel after a landslide in northern India.
LUCKNOW, India — A frantic rescue mission is underway as 40 workers remain trapped in a collapsed road tunnel in northern India after a landslide on Monday.
Police officer Prashant Kumar has assured that all the construction workers are safe, having been supplied with oxygen and water. The rescuers have established communication with the trapped individuals as well.
The devastating collapse took place in Uttarakhand, a state known for its mountainous terrain and Hindu temples that attract numerous pilgrims and tourists.
Uttarakhand has experienced significant construction of buildings and roadways in recent years. The workers trapped in the tunnel were part of the construction of the Chardham all-weather road, a key federal government initiative that connects various Hindu pilgrimage sites.
Rajesh Pawar, the project manager at Navyug Construction Company overseeing the tunnel construction, confirmed the number of trapped workers on Monday.
Rescue efforts began on Sunday, and authorities have been pumping oxygen into the tunnel to aid the workers. The rescue team has managed to progress 15 meters into the tunnel, with 35 meters still to cover, according to Kumar, who added that over 150 rescuers have been working tirelessly through the night with drilling equipment and excavators to clear the debris.
The collapsed portion of the 4.5-kilometer tunnel is about 200 meters from the entrance, officials told the Press Trust of India news agency.
Earlier in January, Uttarakhand authorities relocated hundreds of people to temporary shelters due to a temple collapse and the sinking of land around Joshimath town in the region, resulting in cracks in over 600 houses.
