THDC Tunnel Disaster: Seven Dead, Thirteen Hospitalised, Search Ongoing

The THDC Vishnugad‑Peelakoti hydroelectric project’s tunnel in Chamoli faced a catastrophic blockage when landslides poured debris and water into a 1.5‑kilometre stretch. Out of the 22 workers inside, seven have been declared dead at Gopeshwar district hospital, while thirteen are currently receiving medical care.

Rescue operations, led by District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar, have successfully extracted 19 individuals. The remaining three workers are still being searched for, with teams continuing to probe the flooded passage. Six rescue personnel who entered the tunnel earlier are now safe.

The operation is supported by a coalition of NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, police and technical experts. The quick‑response unit, mobilised within five minutes of the incident, reported that water inside the tunnel was above chest level, complicating the rescue effort.