Operation to rescue 40 Indian workers trapped in tunnel enters 2nd day

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) – A massive operation is underway to rescue nearly 40 workers trapped for the second day after an under-construction tunnel collapsed on Sunday in the Himalayan Indian state of Uttarakhand.

Officials said on Monday that oxygen and food supplies are being provided to the trapped workers.

“A rescue operation is going on. Oxygen and food are provided through a pipe,” a disaster official in the district told Anadolu on Monday morning. He said communication was established with the trapped workers who are “safe,” adding that the focus of the rescuers is to clear the rubble at the site.

Uttarakhand police wrote on X on Monday that work of removing debris in the tunnel is continuing and contact has been made with the trapped workers. “Oxygen is being supplied continuously in the tunnel,” the police said.

Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Monday he would conduct on-site inspection and review the relief and rescue operations, adding that “efforts are being made to get them out safely soon.”