Uttarakhand avalanche: 4 dead among 50 rescued as Army intensifies efforts to save 5 trapped workers (WATCH)

In a major rescue operation, 50 out of 55 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers trapped in an avalanche near Mana, Uttarakhand, were evacuated. However, four of the rescued workers succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment at a hospital. The Army and other authorities continue efforts to rescue the remaining personnel, the state government stated on Saturday.

Rescue teams are battling harsh conditions in Uttarakhand’s Mana village to save remaining Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers trapped for over 24 hours following a devastating avalanche. While 49 workers have been rescued, one injured laborer has been confirmed dead, and another remains in critical condition at the Army Hospital, the Indian Army confirmed on Saturday.

The avalanche struck at 7:15 am on Friday, burying 55 workers inside eight containers and one shed at a BRO camp, where they were clearing snow for army movement along the Indo-Tibetan border.

The Indian Army, along with rescue teams, launched a massive operation, deploying over 100 personnel, doctors, ambulances, and heavy equipment. On the second day of the search, 16 more workers were successfully rescued. Three critically injured personnel were airlifted to Joshimath as weather conditions slightly improved.

A total of six helicopters have been deployed to transport rescued workers to Joshimath for urgent medical attention. According to Defence Ministry spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal, rescue efforts continue to locate the remaining workers trapped in three containers.

Lt Col Manish Shrivastava, Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Defence, assured that the injured are being prioritized for evacuation. "Unfortunately, one injured person has been confirmed as a fatal casualty, and one remains in serious condition," he stated.

With time running out and extreme conditions persisting, the Indian Army and rescue teams are racing to complete the operation and bring all trapped workers to safety.