Ramban Tunnel Collapse: Toll reaches two as one more body found

JAMMU — The body of a labourer was found by rescuers from the debris of an under-construction tunnel in Ramban district, taking the death toll to two.

Besides recovering the bodies of two of the 10 labourers trapped under the debris, rescuers have so far also rescued three labourers in injured condition and one of them has been admitted to GMC Jammu for advanced treatment.

“Body of one more labourer has been recovered,” a police officer told GNS. He said that his identity is being established.

“Operation to find missing persons at Khooni Nallah adit tunnel site began at 5:30 AM early morning today and continues,” Deputy Commissioner Ramban Masrat-ul-Islam said. Besides Police and Army, NDRF and SDRF are part of the operation, the officials told GNS.

One of the deceased, whose body was found from the debris yesterday, has been identified as Sudhir Roy (31), son of Manik Chandra Roy of West Bengal.

“At around 10:15 PM (on May 19), the Adit tunnel of T3 caved-in, near Khooni Nallah Ramban, trapping more than a dozen labourers of Sarla Company working at the site,” the officials said.

A police officer told GNS that three persons were rescued within two-and-a-half hours of the incident and were shifted to District Hospital Ramban wherefrom one of them was referred to GMC Jammu for advanced treatment.

“Rescue operation is still going on,” the officer said, adding, “It is likely to take more time.”

The missing persons have been identified as Jadav Roy (23), Gautam Roy (22), Dipak Roy (33), Parimal Roy (38), all from West Bengal, Shiva Chowhan (26) from Assam, Nawaraj Chowdhury (26) and Kushi Ram (25), both from Nepal, Muzaffar (38) and Israt (30), both locals.

SHO Ramsoo Nahiem Matoo along with a police team comprising at least 10-11 personnel had a narrow escape after a landslide and shooting stones at the site hampered following which the rescue suspension was suspended last night, the officials said.