New Delhi/Rishikesh: Seven workers were killed and three others remained missing following an incident inside the Tail Race Tunnel (TRT) of the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project (VPHEP) in Uttarakhand on August 13, according to project developer THDC India Limited (THDCIL).
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The incident occurred at around 6:20 PM when a large volume of water and debris suddenly entered the tunnel at Chainage 1440 metres (Face-II), accompanied by a loud noise. At the time, concrete lining work was underway at Chainage 1230 metres, where 22 workers engaged by the principal executing agency, Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), were deployed.
THDCIL said 12 workers were rescued and admitted to nearby hospitals for treatment, while one injured worker has since been discharged. The company said it is providing medical assistance and support to the injured workers and the families of those affected.
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Relief and rescue operations were launched immediately in coordination with the district administration. Joint teams from THDCIL, HCC, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the district administration are currently engaged in search and rescue operations for the missing workers.
THDCIL said water and debris removal equipment and other necessary resources have been deployed to facilitate the movement of rescue teams inside the tunnel. Senior management officials, including the Managing Director, are present at the site and overseeing the operations in coordination with the concerned agencies.
The company said locating the missing workers remains its highest priority and that all necessary resources are being deployed in coordination with the district administration and other agencies. It also said arrangements are being made to provide medical treatment to injured workers and assistance to affected workers and their families.
THDCIL said a detailed assessment of the causes and circumstances of the incident will be undertaken in coordination with the competent authorities and agencies.
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