Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse: Trapped Workers To Be Rolled Out On Stretchers

New Delhi: The massive rescue mission at the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, which collapsed partially on November 12, is in its final leg.

The countdown has begun for the 41 trapped workers to be brought out of the tunnel after 11 days.

All the trapped workers will be pulled out on wheeled stretchers one by one through a big pipe that is still being drilled to reach them, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Director General Atul Karwal told PTI on Thursday.

The agencies in charge of the rescue operation had considered the option the workers crawling out one by one. However, their health condition may force the authorities to rolling them out on stretchers.

It’s the 12th day since the Silkyara tunnel mishap took place, and those trapped have been living under the debris sand any natural light and proper meals. All these days, they have provided supplies through small “lifeline” pipes.

Earlier in the day, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister General VK Singh (Retd) held a high-level meeting to review relief and rescue operations after taking stock of the tunnel rescue mission.

A temporary CM Camp office has been set up in Matali, Uttarkashi, and Dhami directed officers and said all agencies to get the trapped workers out safely as soon as possible.