7 Dead, 13 Injured After Water, Debris Enter Uttarakhand Tunnel; 2 Still Trapped

August 14, 2026

Chamoli: Seven workers were killed and 13 others injured after a large volume of water and debris suddenly entered an under-construction tunnel at a hydroelectric project in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Thursday evening. Two workers are still trapped inside, while rescue teams are continuing efforts to reach them.

The incident took place at the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) project in the Pipalkoti area of Chamoli. According to officials, around 22 workers were inside the tunnel when water and debris surged into the structure at around 6:30-7 pm.

The State Disaster Management Authority said that 20 workers were brought out of the tunnel. Seven of them were declared dead, while 13 others were injured and taken for medical treatment. Two workers remain trapped inside and efforts are underway to rescue them.

Water, debris suddenly surge into tunnel

According to officials, the tunnel was under construction when a sudden inflow of water and debris entered the structure. The surge created difficult conditions for workers inside and hampered the initial rescue efforts.

The project is part of the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti hydroelectric project. Construction work at the site is being carried out by Hindustan Construction Company (HCC). Officials said a cavity reportedly developed following the sudden inflow of water, causing debris to collapse into the tunnel.

Multi-agency rescue operation underway

A large-scale rescue operation has been launched to locate and evacuate the two workers still trapped inside the tunnel. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), CISF and the Army have been involved in the operation.

Rescue teams are facing challenges because of the presence of water and debris inside the tunnel. Machinery and specialised equipment are being used to clear the affected section and reach the trapped workers.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to carry out the rescue and relief operation on a war footing. He has been monitoring the situation and seeking updates from senior officials.

The exact cause of the sudden water and debris inflow is still being assessed. Rescue operations remain underway as authorities focus on bringing out the two workers who are still trapped.