Uttarkashi tunnel rescue: Amidst the tense rescue efforts at the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand, all 41 trapped workers have been successfully rescued following their harrowing ordeal since November 12. Ambulances have left from the rescue site carrying the workers who have taken out of the collapsed tunnel. An initial health check-up was done at a health camp that had been set up in the tunnel.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami also met the workers who were rescued from the collapsed tunnel.
Since November 12, 41 tunnel workers were trapped within the construction section of Silkayara tunnel in Uttarakhand after it collapsed, obstructing their sole exit with over 60 meters of shattered rock, concrete, and twisted metal.
Following a series of arduous setbacks, the initial workers were finally rescued amidst grueling challenges. The rescue operations faced daunting pauses, including breakdowns of heavy drilling equipment, compelling workers to resort to riskier methods.
Union Minister of State General (Retd) VK Singh stood present at the site, accompanying the relatives of those being extricated from the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel. As these workers emerged from their confinement, they were set to undergo preliminary health assessments at a makeshift medical camp established on-site.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed admiration for the rescued workers’ bravery and endurance in a message. In a social media post, he expressed, “I want to say to the friends who were trapped in the tunnel that your courage and patience is inspiring everyone. I wish you all well and good health.”
Relatives of the workers, who had been anxiously awaiting the arrival of their loved ones for days, celebrated joyfully as the workers safely reached their destination. Some also distributed sweets on the site after the first worker came out of the tunnel.