A significant and unfortunate accident has been reported in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, where two loco trains collided inside the Pipalkoti tunnel, part of the Vishnupragad Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project. The severe collision resulted in injuries to 70 individuals, including laborers and project officials. The incident occurred late on Tuesday night, around 10 PM, during a shift change, with approximately 108 workers on board both trains at the time of the mishap.
Initial investigations suggest that the accident was caused by a technical glitch, leading one loco train to collide with another from behind.
The collision, which took place in a dark section of the tunnel, caught the workers inside off guard, causing many to fall within the train compartments. Immediately after the impact, screams echoed through the tunnel, creating a chaotic and panic-stricken environment. Workers were disoriented and unsure how to exit the tunnel in the emergency, leading to widespread fear and confusion. The incident specifically occurred within a tunnel belonging to the Vishnupragad. Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project, operated by the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC).
Swift Rescue and Relief Operations
Upon receiving news of the accident, project management personnel and local administration teams promptly arrived at the scene. They immediately launched extensive relief and rescue operations, which were carried out swiftly despite the challenging conditions inside the tunnel. The injured were quickly transported to Gopeshwar District Hospital and a local hospital in Pipalkoti using ambulances and other available vehicles. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to extract the injured from the dark and confined tunnel, an effort that was crucial in saving many lives and providing immediate medical attention.
Medical Care for the Injured
Doctors stationed at Gopeshwar District Hospital reported that most of the injured laborers sustained minor injuries, while a few suffered serious injuries and have been placed under special observation. A total of 42 injured workers are currently receiving treatment at. Gopeshwar District Hospital, with another 17 admitted to the hospital in Pipalkoti. Medical teams are continuously working to provide the best possible care to the injured, and their conditions are being closely monitored to ensure a full recovery.
Administrative Response and Support
Following the accident, District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar and Superintendent of Police Surjeet Singh Panwar promptly visited Gopeshwar District Hospital. They inquired about the well-being of the admitted injured and instructed doctors to provide enhanced treatment, while the administration also ensured that the families of the injured were informed as quickly as possible. It has been noted that the majority of the injured workers hail from the states of Jharkhand and Odisha. The administration has initiated the process of notifying their families and offering all possible assistance during this difficult time.
Context of the Project
This unfortunate accident took place within the tunnel of the Vishnupragad Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project, which is managed by the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC). Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, this project plays a vital role in the region's development. Incidents of this nature underscore the critical importance of stringent. Safety protocols and regular technical maintenance in large-scale infrastructure projects. Authorities are now conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the technical glitch and to implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future, ensuring the safety of all personnel involved in such critical operations.
