Two locomotive trains collided inside the THDC hydroelectric project tunnel in Chamoli, Uttarakhand. Sixty people were injured in the accident. All the injured have been admitted to the hospital.
उत्तराखंड के चमोली में सुरंग के लोको ट्रेनों की टक्कर में 60 मजदूर घायल, सुरक्षा पर उठे सवाल
A major accident occurred on Tuesday night in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand (Chamoli Tunnel Accident) when two internal transport loco trains collided inside the tunnel of the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project. Approximately 60 laborers were injured in the collision. The accident took place in the tunnel of the project being constructed under THDC India Limited, after which the district administration and local authorities immediately launched rescue and medical operations.
The two trains came face-to-face on the same track.
According to preliminary information, the collision occurred during a shift change when laborers were being transported to the TVM site located approximately 4.5 kilometers inside the tunnel. One train was carrying the laborers, while the other train was carrying construction materials inside the tunnel. The two trains came face-to-face on the same track, and one train collided with the other. After the collision, two coaches derailed, and several laborers were injured. The accident is reported to have occurred between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM.
60 people injured
Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar said that a total of 109 people were present in both trains at the time of the accident. Of these, 60 people were injured. 42 laborers have been admitted to Gopeshwar District Hospital, and 17 laborers are being treated at Vivekananda Hospital in Pipalkoti. The remaining injured were discharged after receiving first aid.
The administration stated that all the injured have been safely evacuated and their condition is stable. Ambulances were dispatched to the site, and the injured were rescued from inside the tunnel and taken to nearby hospitals. This project is a 444-megawatt hydroelectric project being constructed on the Alaknanda River between Helang and Pipalkoti. The project is targeted for completion next year. Following the accident, the administration has ordered an inquiry to determine where the lapses occurred in safety, signaling, or operating procedures.
Questions raised about safety
This accident has once again raised concerns about the safety of workers in large projects being undertaken in hilly areas. The administration says that responsibility will be determined after the investigation report is received, and strict action will be taken if negligence is found at any level. Currently, the good news is that there are no reports of any casualties.
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