All 41 Indian workers trapped in tunnel for 17 days rescued

Indian workers were greeted with wild cheers and flower garlands Tuesday as rescuers safely brought out all 41 from the collapsed Himalayan road tunnel where they were trapped after a marathon 17-day engineering operation.

Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, India, marks the end of a challenging and intense operation that lasted over two weeks. The workers were trapped when a partial collapse occurred in the tunnel on November 12, leading to a complex rescue mission in the difficult Himalayan terrain.

After multiple setbacks, the final section of the rescue involved military engineers and skilled miners manually digging through the remaining rock face using a "rat-hole" technique. This process required a three-person team working inside a narrow metal pipe, just wide enough for an individual to pass through.

The successful rescue operation was met with jubilation as the workers, hauled through the 57-meter steel pipe on stretchers fitted with wheels, emerged to the cheers of crowds outside the tunnel. The rescuers, including state officials, greeted the workers, who were then reunited with their families.

The trapped workers endured a challenging ordeal, with their health being closely monitored by a medical team as soon as they emerged from the tunnel. The workers were found to be in relatively good health despite the challenging conditions they faced during their confinement.

Relatives of the rescued workers expressed immense relief and gratitude. Naiyer Ahmad, whose brother Sabah Ahmad was among the trapped workers, thanked both God and the rescuers for their efforts. Musarrat Jahan, the wife of another rescued worker, Sabah Ahmad, conveyed her overwhelming happiness, stating that their lives had been given a new lease.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the courage and patience of the trapped workers, emphasizing their inspiring qualities. The chief minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, lauded the efforts of rescue teams and the prayers of millions that contributed to the successful outcome.

The challenging rescue operation involved overcoming multiple obstacles, including falling debris and the breakdown of drilling machines. The dedication and perseverance of the rescue teams, along with the resilience of the trapped workers, were crucial in achieving a positive outcome.

As the rescued workers begin their recovery and reunite with their families, the successful operation serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts and commitment of the rescue teams, officials, and the local community.