Authorities expect the rescue operation to take some time. This Saturday (25), the blades of the drilling machine that was supposed to drive through the rubble of the collapsed tunnel got stuck in the rubble. This has led authorities to consider a different approach that will delay the rescue by several days or even weeks.
Tunnel expert Arnold Dix, who is following the rescue, promised that the workers should be home by Christmas, a month away.
Drilling of the tunnel rubble was interrupted for most of the day on Friday. But the extent of the problem became known on Saturday when the expert told reporters that the machine was broken.
Excavators have already removed tons of earth, concrete and rubble from the partially collapsed tunnel. The rescue team arrived on Wednesday (22) at a distance of 12 meters from the workers. This Thursday morning (23), at the suggestion of Harpal Singh, the miners were supposed to withdraw from the rescue team. However, he said that this could change “due to technical problems, the ‘challenging’ terrain of the Himalayan region and other unforeseen events.”
Last Tuesday (21), an endoscopic camera was used to reach the workers and check that everyone was OK, although some appeared nervous and anxious in the pictures.
With information from The Telegraph, India.