A major accident occurred when water and debris suddenly entered the under-construction THDC tunnel in Mayapur-Pipalkoti, Chamoli district. Twenty-two workers were trapped inside the tunnel. Seven of them died.

Chamoli Tunnel Accident: Last Thursday evening, a major accident occurred when the under-construction THDC tunnel in the Mayapur-Pipalkoti area of ​​Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, suddenly filled with water and debris. Workers working inside the tunnel were left without a chance to recover, and 22 workers were trapped inside. Upon receiving the information, the administration, police, and rescue teams arrived at the scene. As the rescue operation progressed, 20 workers were safely evacuated. All were admitted to the District Hospital in Gopeshwar, while one injured was referred to a higher center for better treatment. Seven workers also died in the accident. Let's learn the full story of the Pipalkoti tunnel and the accident…

The tunnel is part of the 444 MW hydroelectric project.

The tunnel where the accident occurred is part of the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project being built in Chamoli district, known as the Pipalkoti Tunnel. This project is being constructed by THDC India Limited on the Alaknanda River. The project has a capacity of 444 MW, consisting of four 111 MW units.

The project involves several major construction projects related to water flow and power generation. These include long head race and tail race tunnels. The tunnel in the Mayapur-Pipalkoti area where the accident occurred was being constructed by HCC, or Hindustan Construction Company. Building such tunnels in mountainous terrain is considered technically challenging.

Suddenly, water and debris started filling up.

According to reports, on Thursday evening, between 6:45 and 7:05 p.m., a sudden surge of water began inside the tunnel. Within moments, debris began to fill the tunnel along with the water. Workers were engaged in construction at the time. The sudden influx of water and debris caused panic. Workers tried to escape. Some managed to escape safely, but many others were trapped inside due to the water and debris. The administration and police were immediately informed of the incident, and rescue teams were dispatched to the scene.

22 workers were reported trapped.

After the accident, the administration initially reported that 22 workers were working inside the tunnel. However, during the rescue operation, varying updates emerged regarding the number of workers and the number of people rescued. Initially, it was reported that 6 workers had been safely evacuated, then 7, 8, and finally 13 workers. Later, the district administration stated that 20 people had been safely rescued. Some of the rescued workers were injured and taken to the hospital. However, seven of them died during treatment.

DM Gaurav Kumar himself reached the spot

Given the severity of the incident, Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar personally arrived at the scene. He reviewed the rescue operation and gathered information from officials and rescue teams. The DM instructed all teams to work swiftly and in coordination. The administration is continuously monitoring the situation inside the tunnel. Water and debris are posing significant challenges to the rescue operation. Despite this, rescue teams are continuously working to reach inside and safely evacuate the trapped people.

Teams of Army, NDRF, SDRF and ITBP deployed

Multiple agencies have been deployed to expedite the rescue operation. In addition to the district administration and police, teams from the NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, and Army have also arrived at the scene. Local police, CISF, and other relevant rescue teams are also assisting in the operation. Rescue teams are proceeding cautiously through the water and debris inside the tunnel. Care is also being taken to prevent any other accidents inside the tunnel. The administration has made necessary machinery, ambulances, and other resources available at the site. https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/AFErmlMK-NoaEiEdi.html

The injured were admitted to the district hospital

The 20 rescued workers were taken to Gopeshwar District Hospital for treatment. According to information received from the hospital, several workers, including Chandan Kumar Singh, Rohtash, Rohit Pandey, Khela Ram, Dina Bengra, Nistar Mangra, Pail Singh Netang, Vinod Raina, Habil Gudiya, Sunil Dewan, Sivek, and Tilak Raj, were brought in for treatment. Rohit Pandey was referred to a higher center for better treatment. The other injured are being treated at the district hospital. The hospital administration is monitoring the condition of the injured.

आपदा परिचालन केंद्र, देहरादून पहुंचकर मायापुर (पीपलकोटी) स्थित टीएचडीसी की निर्माणाधीन टनल में चल रहे रेस्क्यू ऑपरेशन की प्रगति की जानकारी ली और अधिकारियों को आवश्यक दिशा-निर्देश दिए।

टनल में फंसे 22 श्रमिकों में से अब तक 16 श्रमिकों को सुरक्षित बाहर निकाल लिया गया है। शेष… pic.twitter.com/4QZ8I8lHSB

— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) August 13, 2026

Seven workers died in the accident

Seven workers have been reported dead in this accident. Pradeep Panwar, a resident of Gaonwar, Chamba, Tehri, has been identified as one of the deceased. Mukesh and Durlabh Sharma have also been identified. The true extent of the accident will only become clear after the rescue operation is complete and the administration releases final figures.

Chief Minister Dhami called an emergency meeting

Following the news of the accident, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened an emergency meeting of officials at the Emergency Operations Center in Dehradun. The Chief Minister reviewed the rescue operation and directed officials to conduct relief and rescue operations on a war footing. He also spoke with the injured workers who were pulled out of the tunnel and inquired about their well-being. He directed officials to provide the best possible treatment to all the injured. The Chief Minister clearly stated that the safe evacuation of everyone trapped in the tunnel is the government's top priority.

Instructions to the officials to remain alert regarding weather alert also

In light of the alert issued by the Meteorological Department following the Chamoli disaster, the Chief Minister has directed officials across the state to remain on high alert. The administration has been asked to make necessary preparations to deal with any emergency. Rescue teams have also been instructed to exercise extra caution in view of the sudden surge in water flow and debris during rains in mountainous areas.

Rescue operation is still going on

Following the accident at the under-construction Mayapur-Pipalkoti tunnel, the biggest challenge is safely evacuating those trapped inside. The safe rescue of 16 workers has brought significant relief to the administration, but the operation is not yet fully over. Six workers are still trapped inside. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to address the water and debris inside the tunnel. Administrative teams are present at the site and monitoring all updates. The accident has also affected the project's construction work.

PC: TV9 Bharatvarsh