Dehradun, 18 August (H.S.):

Five days after an accident at an under-construction tunnel of the THDC Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, another worker was safely rescued on Tuesday. Rescue teams are continuing their search for one worker who remains missing.

Since the accident occurred on August 13 in the Mayapur area of the district, teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police and district administration have been conducting a continuous rescue operation.

According to officials, another worker was pulled out of the tunnel safely during the rescue operation on Tuesday. He was immediately shifted to the District Hospital in Gopeshwar, where he is currently undergoing treatment. With his rescue, the search now remains for one missing worker. Rescue teams are carrying out an intensive search at possible locations inside the tunnel.

The rescue operation is focused on clearing accumulated mud and debris from inside the tunnel, along with draining out the water. Suction pumps and other equipment are being deployed to facilitate the operation and enable rescue personnel to move further into the tunnel in search of the missing worker.

The district administration said all necessary resources were being made available at the site to expedite the rescue operation. Officials said locating the missing worker remains the highest priority.

Eight people have died in the accident, while 12 workers were injured. The injured workers were rescued from the tunnel and admitted to hospital for treatment.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar