In a twist of fate, Madan Singh, a 40-year-old laborer from Jharkhand, found an unexpected blessing in the challenging habit of smoking. Despite the risks associated with smoking, this laborer’s routine took a miraculous turn during his 12-hour shift, which began at 8 PM on Saturday.
An Unexpected Turn of Events
Madan Singh, a diligent worker according to a Times of India report, consistently takes breaks every two or three hours during his demanding tunnel work. Even on Sunday morning, he adhered to this routine, taking a five-minute break. As he emerged from the tunnel, he settled on a nearby rock. Little did he know that this brief pause would prove to be life-altering.
Witnessing the Unthinkable
During this break, he witnessed a large boulder breaking off from the tunnel’s ceiling, accompanied by the sound of soil and rocks cascading down. Without a second thought, he sprinted towards the tunnel entrance, narrowly avoiding being buried under tons of debris.
Singh’s Account
In his account, Singh stated, “I had just finished my bidi, preparing to resume work when I heard the rapid fall of debris. Spotting a massive boulder collapsing from the tunnel’s roof, I sprinted towards the tunnel entrance. Hundreds of tons of debris fell, blocking the entrance just a few meters away from me.”
Urgent Plea for Rescue
Surviving the ordeal, Singh now urges for the safe extraction of his colleagues. He notes that the location where other workers are trapped has sufficient supplies of electricity and water. According to him, “They need oxygen and sustenance. Only four others managed to escape before the tunnel collapsed.”
Critical Situation in Uttarakhand
Notably, in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, a section of the under-construction tunnel on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway collapsed suddenly on Sunday morning, trapping 40 laborers inside. Rescue efforts are underway to free the trapped workers.
