A tunnel under construction for the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district collapsed on Thursday. According to reports,
7 workers have died, while 11 are injured. At least 6 remain missing as rescue operation continues. The incident took place in the Pipalkoti area of Chamoli. NDRF Inspector Amrit Lal Meena said the team rushed to the site after receiving information about the incident and found the tunnel heavily flooded, with water reaching above chest level. Meena, along with five personnel, entered the tunnel while the rest of the team remained outside to prepare equipment and assist with the operation. "Equipped with specialised underwater gear, the rescuers waded through the flooded tunnel and recovered four bodies that had been submerged and were not visible from the surface. Several workers are still feared to be trapped inside the tunnel, with rescue operations underway," he added.
VIDEO | Uttarakhand: 22 rescued in the Chamoli district's THDC tunnel incident; 7 dead and 11 injured. At least 6 remain missing as rescue operation continues.
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/d8jp61yd2p) pic.twitter.com/3oaLCCHuyq— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 13, 2026
Uttarakhand CM Expresses Concern
Reacting on the incident, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed deep concern over the incident of debris and water entering the THDC tunnel at Pipalkoti in Chamoli district and directed officials to conduct relief and rescue operations on a war footing.The Chief Minister said that, considering the seriousness of the incident, teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been immediately dispatched to the site.
The Chief Minister's Office said that the district administration and all concerned departments and agencies have been directed to undertake swift relief and rescue operations in close coordination.
