Two workers trapped in a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project in Nepal were successfully rescued after being stranded for nine days. The rescue occurred on September 4, coinciding with the Hindu festival of Krishna Janmashtami. Both individuals have been provided medical attention following their ordeal.

Sanjay Sah, aged 30 and an employee of the Nepal Electricity Authority from Saptari district, reported that he maintained his spirits by chanting the ‘Hare Krishna’ mantra continuously throughout his time in the tunnel. Upon rescue, his condition was said to be stable, and he was transported to a local hospital in Trishuli without any significant health complications.

The second worker, 45-year-old Kabir Maharjan, was airlifted to the Nepal Army Hospital in Chhauni, Kathmandu, due to requiring more extensive medical care. His health was reportedly more concerning, necessitating immediate attention.

Details of the Incident

Sah, who served as a foreman on the project, chose to remain in the tunnel while others evacuated after the flooding incident. He expressed a sense of duty towards the safety of his colleagues, which influenced his decision to stay behind. “I felt responsible for ensuring everyone’s safety,” Sah stated after his rescue. He was engaged in his duties within the control room when the accident occurred.

After urging his colleagues to escape when the floodwaters began to rise, Sah realised it was too late for him to exit the tunnel. He recounted having communicated with three or four nearby individuals prior to his rescue, indicating that there may still be others trapped deeper within the tunnel. “We were able to communicate through talking or making noises,” he noted, underlining the difficulty of the situation.

In addition to concerns about his immediate colleagues, Sah expressed apprehension that other workers may still be trapped in more inaccessible areas of the tunnel, particularly around the powerhouse. “The tunnel is very long, and the force of the floodwater could have moved people further inside,” he added.

Ongoing Search and Rescue Efforts

The Nepal Army, leading the rescue operation, has mobilised specialised equipment for continued search efforts to locate any remaining trapped individuals. The successful extraction of Sah and Maharjan provides a positive development in what has been a challenging situation since the incident began.

The ongoing search operations remain focused on assessing the full extent of the incident and rescuing any additional workers who may have been unable to escape safely. Authorities are keenly aware of the potential dangers posed by the conditions within the tunnel and will continue the efforts to safeguard the remaining personnel.

While the rescue of Sah and Maharjan marks an important breakthrough, authorities stress that they are not yet certain about the total number of individuals still trapped. Investigations into the accident and the circumstances leading up to the disaster are currently underway, with a focus on future safety evaluations for the hydropower project.

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