Chamoli, Uttarakhand: At least seven workers were killed and 14 others injured after a sudden landslide and heavy water seepage struck an under-construction tunnel at a hydroelectric project in Chamoli district on Thursday evening. Rescue operations remain underway as authorities search for workers who may still be trapped inside.
The incident occurred at the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project near Pipalkoti. According to officials, workers were inside the tunnel when water and debris suddenly rushed into the construction area, leaving several workers trapped.
What Happened Inside the Chamoli Tunnel?
The accident took place at around 7 pm on August 13, when a sudden landslide and water seepage affected an under-construction tunnel of the THDC project.
Preliminary reports indicate that a large quantity of water, mud and debris entered the tunnel. The sudden flow made it difficult for workers to escape and triggered a major rescue operation.
The project is owned by Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC), while construction work at the site is being carried out by Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), according to officials.
Seven Workers Dead, 14 Injured
The latest reports put the death toll at seven, while 14 workers have been injured.
The injured workers were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Officials have continued to assess the situation inside the tunnel as rescue teams work through the debris.
Early reports had given different casualty figures as rescue operations progressed. The number was subsequently revised as more workers were brought out and authorities confirmed the fatalities.
Rescue Operation Underway
A multi-agency rescue operation has been launched at the accident site.
Teams from the NDRF, SDRF, Army, ITBP and local administration have been involved in the operation. Rescue personnel are working in difficult conditions inside the tunnel to locate anyone who may remain trapped.
The mountainous terrain and continuing water and debris-related challenges are making the operation particularly difficult.
Uttarakhand Government Monitoring Situation
Uttarakhand authorities have been closely monitoring the rescue operation and have directed agencies to accelerate efforts to reach the trapped workers.
The incident has once again highlighted the challenges associated with construction work in the geologically fragile Himalayan region, where landslides, heavy rainfall and sudden water flows can create dangerous conditions.
A Tragic Incident at a Major Hydroelectric Project
The Vishnugad-Pipalkoti project is a significant hydroelectric infrastructure project in Uttarakhand. The accident has raised fresh concerns about worker safety during underground construction in the Himalayan region.
Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances that led to the sudden inflow of water and debris and determine whether additional safety measures are required at the project site.
Chamoli Tunnel Accident: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Pipalkoti, Chamoli, Uttarakhand |
| Project | Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project |
| Incident | Landslide and water seepage |
| Deaths | 7 |
| Injured | 14 |
| Rescue operation | Underway |
| Project owner | THDC |
| Construction company | HCC |
| Incident date | August 13, 2026 |
Bottom Line
The Chamoli tunnel accident has claimed seven lives and left 14 workers injured after a sudden landslide and heavy water seepage sent water and debris into an under-construction tunnel at the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project.
Rescue agencies continue to work at the site, while authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
