Jharkhand worker dies, another trapped in Chamoli tunnel accident; State steps up rescue and relief efforts
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi/Chamoli, August 14: One worker from Jharkhand has died, and another is reportedly among those trapped following an…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi/Chamoli, August 14: One worker from Jharkhand has died, and another is reportedly among those trapped following an accident at an under-construction tunnel of the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project in Mayapur, Pipalkoti, in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district.
The accident occurred on Thursday evening when the tunnel suddenly filled with water and debris and partially collapsed. According to the information available, 29 workers were inside the tunnel when the accident occurred. Seven workers have died, 19 have been safely evacuated, while three workers remain missing and trapped inside as rescue operations continue.
CM Hemant Soren directs immediate intervention
Following the incident, Chief Minister Hemant Soren directed the State Migrant Control Room, operated by the Office of the Labour Commissioner, to immediately coordinate with the Uttarakhand authorities and the company concerned.
Helpline numbers were subsequently issued to enable families and relatives of workers from Jharkhand to obtain regular and verified information about their whereabouts, health and safety.
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Seven workers from Jharkhand affected
According to the information received by the state government, seven workers from Jharkhand have been affected by the accident.
Among them, Vijay Hansda, a resident of Palsabani village in Dugariya block of East Singhbhum district, died in the accident. Coordination has been established with the company and his family to complete the necessary formalities and transport his mortal remains to his native village.
The body is being transported to Jharkhand by ambulance.
Five other workers from Jharkhand sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals. Habil Gudiya of Tapkara in Khunti district, Nithir Bhingra of Torpa and Dina Begra of Surune suffered minor injuries.
Vinod Ravna of Katkahi in Gumla district suffered a fracture to his right leg, while Khela Ram Bisra of Dugariya in East Singhbhum district is reported to be critically injured. The state government said all the injured workers are receiving medical treatment.
One more Jharkhand worker reportedly trapped
Rescue operations are being conducted on a war footing to evacuate the three workers who remain missing and are believed to be trapped inside the tunnel.
According to reports received by the state government, one of the three trapped workers is from Jharkhand. Efforts are underway to establish his identity and obtain confirmed information about his condition and location.
The state government is coordinating with the authorities concerned and continuing efforts to ensure his safe rescue.
Compensation and assistance for family
The company has provided immediate financial assistance to the family of the deceased worker towards funeral expenses.
The state government is also initiating the necessary legal and administrative procedures to bring Vijay Hansda’s mortal remains back to Jharkhand. Officials are working to ensure that his family receives compensation, insurance benefits and other statutory assistance to which it is entitled.
The state government said relief, medical treatment, rescue and rehabilitation efforts are being closely monitored in accordance with the Chief Minister’s instructions.
