In the drama surrounding the 41 workers who have been trapped in a tunnel in India for two weeks, the rescue work is dragging on. After several repairs, a large drill finally broke. The helpers now rely on smaller tools, among other things. According to officials, this will prolong the rescue work.
Australian expert Arnold Dix, who was involved in the work, told the Indian television station NDTV on Sunday that he expected a rescue by Christmas.
So far, the helpers have tried to use the large machine to push a pipe into the rubble through which the trapped people could get out. The device advanced several dozen meters and repeatedly encountered obstacles such as steel parts and defective machines. But it can no longer be repaired, said Dix.
Vertical drilling
During the drilling work now planned, helpers have to go individually into the pipe that has previously been pushed into the mountain and work their way forward with the appropriate tools. In addition, attempts are being made to drill vertically into the mountain in order to reach those trapped.
The 4.5 kilometer long motorway tunnel partially collapsed on November 12th after a landslide during construction work. Those trapped are supplied with food, water, oxygen and medication via narrow pipes. They should also be given a telephone connection to stay in touch with their waiting relatives, it said.
The men are doing well, said the head of government of the affected Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami. According to reports, it is completely unclear when they will be rescued. However, experts were confident that a rescue would be successful.
The scene of the accident is near the small town of Uttarkashi. The region is known for many Hindu temples and is popular as a pilgrimage and tourist destination. The tunnel was intended to improve transport connections there.
