Wayanad: The death toll in the devastating debris collapse at a tunnel construction site in Kerala’s Wayanad district has risen to five after search and rescue teams recovered two more bodies on Thursday.
The bodies were found during the third day of intensive rescue operations following Tuesday’s disaster near Meenakshi Bridge at Kalladi, where continuous heavy rainfall triggered a massive soil collapse at the proposed Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi twin-tube tunnel road project.
Rescue operation enters third day
Rescue personnel, including teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire and rescue services, police and other emergency agencies, have been working round the clock to locate those buried under the debris.
Authorities are using heavy machinery, specialised equipment and search dogs to comb the affected area, while rescue efforts continue despite challenging weather conditions.
Heavy rainfall triggered the collapse
Officials said relentless rainfall caused a severe soil piping incident, resulting in a large section of earth collapsing onto the tunnel construction site.
The incident trapped several workers and triggered a massive rescue operation. Search teams have been carefully removing debris while monitoring the unstable terrain to prevent further accidents.
Investigation underway
Police have already registered a case of unnatural death, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the collapse and whether safety protocols were followed at the construction site.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the risks associated with major infrastructure projects in hilly regions during the monsoon season.
Rescue operations are expected to continue until all those believed to be missing are accounted for.