Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: 41 ambulances deployed for immediate assistance; rescue work on war footing
Dehradun, November 23: In Uttarkashi's Silkyara tunnel, where 41 workers remain trapped, officials have deployed a fleet of 41 ambulances for immediate assistance. Mukesh Nautiyal, project manager of Operation 108 Ambulance initiative, said among these ambulances, 31 were under '108', with the remaining 10 provided by the administration.
Mukesh Nautiyal said, "Out of the 31 ambulances, seven are equipped with Advanced Life Support (ALS) facilities, while the others offer Basic Life Support (BLS). There are 27 ambulances stationed at the site and an additional five near the tunnel, all equipped as mini-emergency units."
Narendra Badoni, district programme officer of 108 Ambulance, emphasised the systematic approach to utilising these ambulances. "As the workers are rescued, each ambulance will be designated a specific number. Serious cases will be transferred to Advanced Life Support ambulances, equipped with cardiac monitors, while others will be attended to in Basic Life Support units," he added.
Expressing concern earlier, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urged the government to ensure the safety of the trapped workers and provide adequate compensation.
Inspector-General of Police, Garhwal Range, KS Nagnyal, stated that the rescue operation's timeline cannot be determined precisely due to the complexity of the machinery involved.
Neeraj Khairwal, Uttarakhand Secretary and Nodal Officer for the Silkayara rescue operation, confirmed that both Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister General VK Singh (retd) have communicated with the trapped workers, assuring their well-being.
Former advisor to the Prime Minister's Office, Bhaskar Khulbe, reported successful removal of the steel obstructing the pipe's movement within the tunnel.
According to state government officials, the rescue operation is in its final stages, with expectations of extracting the trapped workers by Thursday evening.
The incident occurred on November 12 when a section of the under-construction tunnel collapsed, leaving 41 laborers trapped inside a 2-km stretch, impeded by debris. The completion of concrete work in this portion ensured some safety for the workers.
- ANI
