Trapped Odia worker sends message for first time

Dehradun: A worker from Odisha, who is among those trapped in the collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi, managed to send an audio message on Thursday, marking the first communication since being trapped for five days.

In the aftermath of the Uttarakhand tunnel collapse, five laborers, including 35 others from different states, found themselves trapped. Efforts for their rescue continue in full swing to safely extract all 40 individuals stuck in the tunnel in Uttarakhand.

Dhiren Nayak from Mayurbhanj, one of the five Odia workers stuck in the tunnel, sent an audio message to his family, reassuring them of his safety and hopeful anticipation of his imminent rescue.

Speaking through a tube within the tunnel, Dhiren communicated to one of his relatives that the majority of those trapped are doing well, except for a few who are slightly unwell. “We’re in good spirits. We’re fine. We’re even recording a video to send soon,” he mentioned.

Simultaneously, the families and villagers of the five trapped Odia workers have been offering prayers for their safe return.

It’s crucial to note that a segment of an under-construction structure collapsed on November 12, trapping numerous workers inside a tunnel on the Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, on November 13, expressed profound concern for the trapped laborers within the collapsed tunnel on the Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district. Patnaik extended prayers for the safety and prompt rescue of all 40 workers, including the five from Odisha, who remain trapped.

The five Odia workers stuck inside the tunnel are Biseshwar Nayak and Raju Nayak from Mayurbhanj, Tapan Mandal and Bhagban Batra from Nabarangpur, and Dhiren from Kuldiha.