Chamoli Tunnel Tragedy: 7 Dead, 2 Workers Still Missing

Tunnel Collapse in Chamoli Claims Lives of Seven Workers

The Cliff News | Chamoli | August 14, 2026 A severe accident occurred on Thursday evening in an under-construction tunnel in the Pipalkoti area of Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, resulting in the deaths of at least seven workers. Two other individuals are reportedly still missing.

The incident took place near Pipalkoti around 7:05 PM when a massive amount of debris and water suddenly surged into the tunnel. At the time of the accident, a total of 22 workers were engaged in work inside the tunnel. The sudden influx of debris and water caused panic, accompanied by a sound resembling a loud explosion.

Intensive Relief and Rescue Operations Underway

District administration, police, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams were immediately mobilized to the site. These teams launched an intensive relief and rescue operation on a war footing.

To date, a total of 20 workers have been safely extracted from the tunnel. Tragically, seven of them have passed away, while 13 others sustained injuries. The injured have been admitted to the local hospital in Pipalkoti for immediate medical treatment.

Rescue teams are relentlessly searching for the two missing workers still trapped inside the tunnel. The continuous flow of debris and water within the tunnel presents a significant challenge to the ongoing rescue efforts.

Project Details and Involved Agencies

This grave incident occurred at the construction site of a project undertaken by the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDC). The tunnel construction work is being carried out by the Hindustan Construction Company.

In this critical rescue operation, teams from THDC, NDRF, SDRF, local police, and the district administration are actively involved. Additionally, units from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Indian Army are providing support to the relief and rescue efforts.

An additional NDRF team from Rudraprayag has also been dispatched to Pipalkoti to join the rescue operation.

Chief Minister Expresses Concern, Issues Directives

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed deep sorrow and concern over the accident. He has directed all relevant agencies to conduct immediate and effective relief and rescue operations.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the government's utmost priority is the safe evacuation of all individuals trapped in the tunnel. Senior officials from the state government are present at the scene, continuously monitoring the operation.