Miracle Survival: Two Workers Rescued Nine Days After Nepal Hydropower Tunnel Collapse

Emergency responders in Nepal have achieved a major breakthrough after rescuing two trapped workers from a flooded hydropower tunnel, nine days after disastrous flooding struck the region near the Chinese border. The operation at the Upper Trishuli 3A project turned into a high-stakes rescue after search teams heard muffled human voices echoing from deep within the complex.

The Survivor Profiles and Current Health Status

The two survivors were extracted from the damaged tunnel facility and immediately provided medical care before being transferred to a military hospital in Kathmandu:

  • Sanjay Sah (30): A mechanical foreman originating from Saptari district. Sah sustained non-critical injuries and remains in stable condition.
  • Kabir Maharjan (45): A mechanical supervisor from Kathmandu. Maharjan was rescued in critical condition, requiring intensive care after being unable to move his limbs upon extraction.

How the Underground Breakthrough Unfolded

The rescue unfolded after specialized teams deployed manual digging techniques and controlled explosives to clear car-sized boulders blocking the tunnel entrance:

  • Voice Confirmation: Rescuers made initial contact early Friday morning, calling into the darkness: "Don't panic, we are rescuing you."
  • Crucial Response: A survivor called back with a simple "Okay," confirming life inside the buried facility.
  • Complex Logistics: Expert advisors characterized the effort as an unprecedented operation, combining pinpoint tracking, heavy machinery, and emergency tactical medical care inside a high-risk environment.

Catastrophic Regional Impact

The disaster has exacted a terrible toll across the region, with confirmed deaths surpassing 1,290 in Nepal alongside 21 reported fatalities in China. With approximately 5,500 people still unaccounted for, emergency crews continue dangerous digging efforts across multiple energy facilities to locate remaining trapped workers.