As rescuers are still evacuating the 40 workers trapped in the Uttarkashi tunnel collapse, an auger drill machine was being installed to expedite the process of digging through the debris and rescuing the trapped people.Rescue ops continue on 5th dayMoreover, the authorities are also monitoring the mental condition of the trapped workers through constant communication.For the rescue operation, several experts from Norway and Thailand are being taken into consideration given the fragile state of the mountains where the tunnel is located. Nearly 50 metres of debris needs to be penetrated to insert 800 mm of evacuation tubes.#WATCH | Uttarkashi tunnel accident: Latest visuals from the spot where the rescue operation is underway for 5th day to rescue the trapped labourersA part of the under construction Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi district collapsed on Sunday trapping 40 labourers. pic.twitter.com/BGr2z3kom7— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) November 16, 2023Meanwhile, Union Minister General (retd) VK Singh is scheduled to visit the tunnel at 10:50 am on Thursday to take stock of the rescue operations.An attempt to lay 900 mm hum pipe A rescue team will also attempt to lay a 900 mm hum pipe through the debris to rescue the trapped workers.According to the officials, the third consignment of the new auger drill machine brought from Delhi by Hercules aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) left from Chinyalisaur helipad towards the tunnel. The distance of the tunnel from Chinyalisaur is about 35 kilometres.#WATCH | Uttarkashi tunnel accident | Heavy auger drilling machines have reached Chinyalisaur helipad for relief and rescue in Silkyara Tunnel of Uttarkashi district. These are being connected drilling work will start soon. #Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/5EztpsN4Qb— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) November 15, 2023The truck was moving slowly due to the weight of the machine. The drilling machine and its parts were being transported to the tunnel in three trucks.While two trucks with machine parts reached the tunnel, the third one with the body was on its way, said the sources.Similar incidentReportedly, a portion of the tunnel, part of the ambitious Char Dham all-weather road project, collapsed on Sunday. The 30-metre collapsed section is 270 metres from the mouth of the tunnel from the Silkyara side.The officials said the labourers were safe, and oxygen, electricity, medicines, food items and water were being supplied to them through pipes.
