All 41 Workers Rescued from Collapsed Tunnel in India After 17 Days

Cheers and relief enveloped the rescue site as 41 workers were successfully rescued from a collapsed tunnel under in India on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of a 17-day-long operation involving meticulous drilling through rock and debris.

Challenging Rescue Operation

The rescue operation endured weeks of intense efforts to create an escape route for the trapped workers. It required extensive drilling through the mountain, with the final two meters meticulously drilled by hand to pave the way for the men's emergence.

Dr @Swamy39
Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation: All 41 workers evacuated safely🍁🍁@jagdishshetty pic.twitter.com/onxUFud9ot

— #JaiShriRam🇮🇳ArtiSharma_VHS. (@ArtiSharma001) November 28, 2023

Official Statements

Video footage captured the workers emerging from the tunnel to meet Pushkar Singh Dhami, the chief minister of Uttarakhand state. Despite the ordeal, the workers appeared to be in good health, showing happiness at their rescue.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed emotions over the successful rescue, acknowledging the bravery and patience exhibited by the trapped workers. He commended the spirit of everyone involved in the operation, hailing their teamwork and humanity in granting the laborers a new lease of life.

Trapped Since November 12

The workers had been trapped since November 12 when a section of the tunnel they were constructing in India's Uttarakhand state collapsed, sealing their only exit under more than 60 meters of debris.

Challenges Faced During Rescue

The rescue faced numerous setbacks, including breakdowns of heavy machinery used for drilling. Engineers resorted to partial manual excavation and riskier methods amid halted efforts due to machinery failures. Rescuers persevered, employing both upward drilling and the excavation of an exit shaft. Ultimately, the initial plan prevailed as they successfully created a pathway to ensure the safe extraction of the workers.

Ongoing Support and Health Conditions

Throughout the ordeal, the trapped laborers received essential supplies through a 53-meter pipe, maintaining their health despite the challenging circumstances. Medical personnel on-site offered regular guidance to keep their spirits high.

Families Await Safe Return

Family members assembled daily at the tunnel exit, passionately praying for the safe return of their loved ones, as doctors provided consistent care and support to the rescued workers.