World · Singapore Bureau
Nepali foreman rescued from tunnel prioritized others' safety
A foreman rescued from a collapsed tunnel in Nepal said he delayed his own escape to assist fellow workers. Authorities estimate around 900 people remain trapped in tunnel systems across six hydropower projects on the Trishuli River.
LSN Singapore ·
The foreman, who was pulled to safety from one of the affected tunnels, described prioritizing the evacuation of other workers even as conditions deteriorated. His actions underscore the challenges facing rescue teams navigating multiple tunnel collapses simultaneously across the region.
The incidents have affected six hydropower projects under construction along the Trishuli River, a critical waterway in Nepal's central region. The scale of the emergency has strained rescue resources, with authorities deploying teams across multiple sites to locate and extract trapped workers.
Nepal's hydropower sector has experienced rapid expansion in recent years, with numerous projects in various stages of development. The tunnel collapses have raised concerns about safety protocols and working conditions at construction sites, particularly those operating in challenging geological terrain.
Rescue operations continue as teams work to establish communication with trapped workers and assess the structural integrity of affected tunnel sections. The Nepali government has appealed for international assistance as the operation extends into its critical phase.