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Chamoli: A serious accident occurred in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand on Tuesday night when two internal transport trains collided inside a tunnel at the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti hydropower project run by THDC. The incident happened around 9:30 pm during a routine shift change.
According to officials, a total of 109 workers were onboard the two trains at the time of the collision. The crash left at least 70 workers injured, triggering a major rescue and medical response.
Rescue and medical response
Chamoli Superintendent of Police Surjeet Singh confirmed that 42 injured workers were admitted to the district hospital, with four to five suffering fractures. Seventeen others were admitted to Pipalkoti’s Vivekananda Hospital.
Medical teams were deployed immediately after the accident. Doctors and staff worked through the night to provide treatment. Police and administrative officials remained present at both hospitals to monitor the situation and assist families.
District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar said, “During the time of shift change, two loco trains operating in the tunnel collided at around 9:30 pm. Out of 109 workers onboard, 70 were injured. Rescue and medical teams responded quickly.”
Investigation underway
Authorities have launched an enquiry to determine the cause of the collision. Safety protocols at the hydropower project are being reviewed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Officials said the accident occurred during routine operations, but the exact reason for the crash is still unclear. Mechanical failure, human error, or communication lapses are being considered as possible causes.
Impact on workers and families
The accident has raised concerns about worker safety at large infrastructure projects in Uttarakhand. Families of the injured workers rushed to hospitals after receiving news of the collision.
Police and administrative teams assured that all necessary medical support is being provided. The condition of most injured workers is reported to be stable, though some remain under observation for fractures and other serious injuries.
One of the major energy projects
The Vishnugad-Pipalkoti hydropower project is one of the major energy projects in Uttarakhand. Following the accident, officials emphasized the need to strengthen safety checks and improve communication systems inside tunnels.
Authorities said strict monitoring will be carried out, and additional safety drills may be introduced for workers. The enquiry report is expected to guide future measures to ensure worker protection.
Authorities are now focused on investigating the cause
The collision of two loco trains inside the Chamoli tunnel has left 60 workers injured and highlighted safety concerns at hydropower projects. With rescue operations completed and medical treatment underway, authorities are now focused on investigating the cause and preventing such accidents in the future.
