India

Indian rescue workers have drilled two-thirds of the way towards 41 workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel, officials said Wednesday. The 41 workers have been trapped in the tunnel in northern India in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand for 11 days since parts of the tunnel collapsed. Engineers are trying to get a steel pipe through at least 57 meters of collapsed material consisting of several tons of soil, cement and rubble. “I am very happy to announce that 39 meters of drilling have been carried out,” said Mahmood Ahmad, an official at the Ministry of Roads and Highways. “If there is no blockage, we hope there is good news late tonight or tomorrow.” However, Mahmood Ahmad warns that the remaining part that needs to be drilled through can be difficult. According to authorities, the men have access to light, oxygen, food, water and medicine, and are safe. /ritzau/AFP/