THDC Tunnel Accident in Chamoli: 7 Killed, 14 Injured, 3 Missing After Water, Debris Surge

At least seven people were killed and 14 others injured after a sudden surge of water and debris entered an under-construction tunnel of THDC India Limited’s hydropower project at Pipalkoti in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, on Thursday. Three people are still missing, prompting an intensive search and rescue operation at the project site.

The incident has put the spotlight on THDC India Limited, a major hydropower company, following the sudden ingress of water and debris into the tunnel under construction at the project.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep concern over the incident and directed authorities to undertake relief and rescue operations on a war footing.

Following the incident, teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were immediately dispatched to the site. The district administration and all concerned departments and agencies have also been directed to coordinate closely and ensure that rescue efforts are carried out swiftly.

Seven Killed, Three Still Missing

According to media reports, the sudden inflow of water and debris trapped workers inside the under-construction tunnel. Seven people have died, 14 have sustained injuries, while three remain missing.

Rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate the missing persons and evacuate anyone who may still be trapped inside the affected portion of the tunnel.

The presence of water and debris has created difficult conditions for the rescue teams. Authorities are working to clear the affected areas and gain access to sections of the tunnel where the missing persons could potentially be located.

CM Dhami Closely Monitoring THDC Tunnel Rescue

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said he is in constant contact with senior officials and is receiving minute-by-minute updates on the situation at the THDC project site.

Dhami has directed officials to ensure that there is no laxity in the relief and rescue operation and that every possible resource is deployed to save those still missing.

The Chief Minister said the government’s foremost priority is the safe evacuation of everyone trapped in the tunnel and providing immediate assistance to the injured and affected families.

He also directed the district administration and other agencies to maintain close coordination throughout the rescue operation.

NDRF, SDRF Mobilised at THDC Project Site

The deployment of NDRF and SDRF teams underlines the seriousness of the situation at the THDC project.

Specialised rescue personnel are working alongside the district administration and other agencies to search the affected tunnel and reach the three people who remain missing.

The safety of rescue personnel is also being closely monitored as teams work in an environment affected by water and debris.

THDC Hydropower Project Faces Major Rescue Challenge

The incident occurred at a THDC hydropower project in Pipalkoti, a region located in the mountainous terrain of Chamoli district.

Construction and tunnelling activities in Uttarakhand’s difficult Himalayan terrain can face challenges arising from sudden water inflows, debris movement and unstable geological conditions. However, the immediate priority following the THDC tunnel incident remains the rescue of the missing workers and treatment of those injured.

The authorities are expected to assess the circumstances that led to the sudden entry of water and debris into the tunnel.

Government Monitoring Situation

Chief Minister Dhami said the Uttarakhand government is monitoring the situation with utmost sensitivity and promptness and that all necessary steps are being taken according to the requirements at the site.

He also prayed for the safety of all those affected by the incident.

With three people still missing, the rescue operation at the THDC tunnel remains the immediate focus of the authorities.