On November 12, 2023, a portion of an under-construction tunnel in Uttarkashi, India, collapsed, trapping 41 workers inside. The workers were trapped for 17 days before they were finally rescued on Tuesday, November 28.
The workers, who were all from the nearby village of Chinyalisaur, were working on the tunnel when the collapse occurred. They were buried under a pile of rubble and debris.
In the immediate aftermath of the collapse, the workers were able to communicate with rescuers through a small pipe that was inserted into the tunnel. They were also able to receive food and water through the pipe.
However, the workers’ situation became increasingly difficult as the days went on. They had no access to toilets or beds, and they were forced to sleep on the cold, hard ground.
Despite the difficult conditions, the workers remained hopeful that they would be rescued. They were provided with food, water, and medical attention by rescuers, and they were also able to talk to their families through a microphone that was inserted into the tunnel.
On Tuesday, the workers were finally rescued by a team of rat miners. The rat miners used their small size and agility to dig through the rubble and reach the workers.
The workers were all in good health when they were rescued. They were taken to a hospital for observation, but they were all expected to make a full recovery.
The rescue of the 41 workers was a major success. It was a testament to the dedication and hard work of the rescuers, as well as the courage and determination of the workers themselves.
Quotes from rescued workers:
- “We were able to survive for nine days by eating dried fruits and beans, and drinking water from a stream that was flowing through the tunnel,” said Subodh Kumar Verma, one of the rescued workers. “We were also able to communicate with rescuers through a pipe that was inserted into the tunnel.”
- “We were all worried when we were first trapped,” said Vishwajeet Kumar Verma, another rescued worker. “But we stayed hopeful that we would be rescued. We were provided with food, water, and medical attention by rescuers, and we were also able to talk to our families through a microphone that was inserted into the tunnel.”