Uttarakashi tunnel: What happens after trapped workers are rescued?

An under-construction tunnel in Uttarakhand collapsed on November 12, leaving 41 workers trapped inside. Rescue operations were immediately launched to rescue the workers from the site of the incident.

Despite the relentless efforts of the rescue teams, they faced numerous challenges during the operation.

According to reports, the collapse may have been caused by a geological fault known as a "shear zone." Shockingly, there was no escape passage in the tunnel, despite government guidelines that recommend the presence of emergency exits for tunnels longer than 1.5 km.

Once the workers are rescued, they will be taken to a specially prepared 41-bed hospital at the Community Health Centre in Chinyalisaur. Here, they will undergo a thorough medical examination and receive the necessary care.

As per the govt officials, it will take around 4-5 minutes for each trapped worker to get out of the tunnel. The entire extraction process is likely to be completed in 3 to 4 hours.

The Indian Air Force's Chinook Helicopters are been kept standby at the tunnel site to bring the workers to Silkyara hospital. The government, however, said that Chinook can only operate till 4:30 PM, and if it gets delayed the workers will be taken to the hospital next day through helicopters.

The rescue team has set up a makeshift medical facility at the site.

Rescue workers have mentioned that the workers will undergo detailed medical examinations upon reaching the hospital.

Following the completion of the rescue operations, authorities will focus on conducting comprehensive investigations to identify any construction shortcomings.

To ensure prompt medical attention, around 30 ambulances were present at the site. These ambulances were seen heading towards the tunnel entrance, ready to transport the injured workers to the hospital.

In heartening images, rescue teams were captured smiling and flashing victory signs as they successfully drilled through the concrete and rubble.

To aid in the evacuation process, stretchers have been equipped with wheels to facilitate the movement of the exhausted workers through a 57-meter steel pipe.

Taking cognizance of the incident, the government has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to conduct an audit of 29 tunnels currently under construction across the country.