Race against time to save 36 trapped workers after tunnel collapses at construction site on Indian highway

A HUGE number of workers are trapped inside a tunnel after it collapsed while undergoing construction work.

At least 36 people are feared to be stuck as officials say it could take days to get them out.

The tragic incident happened in the Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on an Indian highway Saturday night.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said: “The NDRF and SDRF are at the spot.

“We pray to god for the safe return of everybody.”

Machines are now being used to drill through the tunnel to clear the debris, as oxygen pipes were sent inside.

Officials say it could take up to three days to get all of the workers out safely.

Pictures from inside the tunnel show the men standing around in protective clothing and high visibility jackets as they wait for help.

Uttarkashi SP Arpan Yaduvanshi said the tunnel had broken about 200m ahead of the tunnels start.

Yaduvanshi went on to say: “According to the officials of HIDCL, which is looking after the construction work of the tunnel, about 36 people are trapped in the tunnel and efforts are being made to rescue them safely.

“Police force, NDRF and SDRF team are present at the spot. Till now no casualty has been reported.

“We will soon rescue all the people safely.”