First images from Indian tunnel show workers trapped for 9 days
The first images emerged on today of 41 men trapped for more than a week in a highway tunnel in the Indian Himalayas, showing them standing in the confined space and communicating with rescue workers.
These individuals have been stuck inside the 4.5-kilometer (3-mile) tunnel located in Uttarakhand state ever since it collapsed on November 12. Authorities have assured that they are safe, having access to essential provisions such as light, oxygen, food, water, and medication.
Although the cause of the cave-in has not been disclosed, the area is known for its susceptibility to natural calamities like landslides, earthquakes, and floods. The rescue operation to extract these 41 men has encountered difficulties due to challenges in drilling through the debris in the rugged mountainous terrain.
Authorities released a brief 30-second video showcasing approximately a dozen of the trapped individuals standing in a semi-circle in front of the camera. They were seen wearing helmets and construction jackets over their attire against the backdrop of tunnel lights.
Outside the tunnel, a rescue worker could be heard instructing the men to step forward individually in front of the camera to confirm their identities using the walkie-talkie equipment provided to them.
The footage was captured using a medical endoscopy camera that was passed through a secondary, wider pipeline measuring 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. This pipeline was drilled through the debris on Monday, according to authorities.
Officials monitoring the rescue operation, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the men appeared to be in good spirits as they responded affirmatively to inquiries about their well-being in the video clip.
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