Key Points:
- Two loco trains collided inside THDC tunnel in Pipalkoti, Chamoli district at 10 PM Tuesday
- 70 workers injured out of 108 passengers during shift change operation
- Technical malfunction caused rear-end collision, creating chaos and disorientation
- 42 injured workers treated at Gopeshwar District Hospital, 17 at Pipalkoti hospital
- Most workers hail from Jharkhand and Odisha, families being informed by phone
- District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police visited hospitals, instructed best treatment
A major accident has occurred in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand as two loco trains carrying workers collided inside a tunnel of the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) in Pipalkoti. The accident happened at 10 PM on Tuesday during a shift change when 108 workers were on board the two trains, resulting in 70 injuries from the impact.
Initial investigations suggest that a technical malfunction caused one train to collide with the other from behind. The sudden impact caused workers inside to lose their balance, and many fell inside the train compartments. Screams and chaos erupted inside the tunnel immediately after the collision, leaving workers disoriented and unsure how to escape the confined space. Officials are currently inspecting the accident site, and necessary instructions have been given to the concerned authorities to determine the exact cause.
Immediate Response and Rescue Operations
Upon receiving information about the accident, project management personnel and local administration teams immediately rushed to the spot and launched relief and rescue operations. The injured were transported to Gopeshwar District Hospital in ambulances and other available vehicles, with medical teams mobilized to handle the mass casualty situation.
District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar and Superintendent of Police Surjit Singh Panwar reached Gopeshwar District Hospital upon receiving news of the accident. They inquired about the condition of the injured and instructed doctors to provide the best possible treatment. The swift response by local authorities helped ensure that all injured workers received timely medical attention, preventing further complications.
Workers’ Condition and Treatment Status
Doctors at the district hospital report that most of the workers sustained minor injuries, while some are under special observation due to serious injuries. A total of 42 injured workers are being treated at Gopeshwar District Hospital, while 17 workers have been admitted to the hospital in Pipalkoti. Medical officials confirm that all patients are in stable condition and receiving appropriate care.
The medical teams have been working continuously to assess and treat the injured, with specialized care being provided to those with more severe injuries. The hospital administration has ensured that adequate medical supplies and staff are available to handle the situation, and they continue to monitor all patients closely for any changes in their condition.
The Human Cost: Migrant Workers at Risk
Most of the workers involved in this accident are from Jharkhand and Odisha, highlighting the reliance on migrant labor for major infrastructure projects in Uttarakhand. The Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) is operating a hydroelectric project in Vishnuprayag, Pipalkoti, where this accident occurred inside the project tunnel.
The families of the injured workers are being informed by phone about the accident and their relatives’ conditions. This communication effort is crucial as many families are located hundreds of kilometers away in different states. The incident raises serious questions about worker safety measures and emergency preparedness for migrant workers employed in hazardous construction environments.
Project Background and Safety Concerns
The THDC hydroelectric project in Vishnuprayag represents a significant infrastructure development in the region, but Tuesday’s accident has brought safety protocols under scrutiny. The collision occurred during a routine shift change, suggesting that operational procedures for worker transportation within the tunnel may need urgent review.
Officials are currently inspecting the accident site to identify specific safety lapses and technical failures that led to the collision. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by workers in large-scale infrastructure projects and the critical importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards, especially when transporting workers in confined tunnel environments.
