A new specialist drilling machine has been deployed in an attempt to rescue 40 workers trapped inside a collapsed tunnel for more than four days.

Footage from November 16 shows officials and rescue teams at the scene of the Silkyara tunnel collapse in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand.

Officials say the workers are trapped 200m into the tunnel and are safe. Rescuers are providing the workers with food, water, and oxygen through pipes.

At least 40 workers have been trapped underground for over 96 hours after the road tunnel they were building in Uttarakhand collapsed. Rescuers have been removing the debris since Sunday morning using a variety of drills and excavators to create an escape tunnel for the workers, who are all alive.

Steel pipes are being used to supply oxygen and small food items into the tunnel.Heavy drilling equipment has been flown in from Delhi which can clear nearly 5 metres of debris every hour. The drill is commonly used to form boreholes in rock, soil, and other subsurface materials.

The trapped workers are being provided with essential supplies of food and medicines. Rescue teams are maintaining regular communication with the workers, ensuring their spirits remain unbroken and their hope alive.
On November 12, the Silkyara Tunnel project suffered a collapse, trapping 40 construction workers within the rubble.


Rescue operations continue for the 5th day to rescue 40 workers Trapped in Uttarakhand tunnel collapse