May take 2 more days to rescue trapped labourers, say authorities; food, oxygen being supplied through pipe

Rescue operation is underway after a portion of an under-construction tunnel between Silkyara and Dandalgaon collapsed on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway in Uttarkashi district. (PTI)

“Oxygen is being supplied”: rescue operations are underway

Officials said the workers were safe, had access to oxygen tanks and were receiving supplemental oxygen through a line. However, they also said on Sunday that there had been no communication with the trapped workers.

Speaking to The Indian Express, SDRF Inspector Jagdamba Bijalwan, who is leading the operation, said debris anywhere between 25 and 50 meters could block the tunnel. Devendra Patwal, district disaster management officer, told The Indian Express that the trapped workers had space to move. “The good thing is that the workers are not cooped up and have a buffer of about 400 meters to walk and breathe. They have enough oxygen to easily survive for eight to 10 hours and that should give us enough time to rescue them,” he said.