Chamoli Tunnel Tragedy: 6 Dead, 14 Injured After Water and Debris Breach Site in Uttarakhand

Public Lokpal
August 14, 2026

At least six workers died and fourteen others were injured after a sudden gush of water, slush, and debris breached an under-construction hydro project tunnel in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district.

The disaster struck Thursday evening around 7 o'clock at the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti hydroelectric project site near Pipalkoti. According to initial reports, a heavy rush of water broke into the tunnel—reportedly triggered by a cavity or landslide above the alignment—trapping workers on duty.

Immediate multi-agency rescue operations were launched, involving the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and local authorities.

Fourteen injured workers were successfully rescued and rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care, while six bodies were recovered from the debris.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep grief over the tragedy, assuring full support to the affected families and directing officials to oversee relief efforts on a war footing.