WORLD · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Two Workers Freed After Nine-Day Tunnel Rescue at Nepal’s Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Plant
WHY IT MATTERS
The successful rescue highlights the value of international engineering support in complex underground projects and may prompt stricter safety protocols at similar hydropower sites worldwide.
What happened
In a high‑stakes operation at the Upper Trishuli 3A hydropower plant in Nepal, two workers were rescued after being trapped for nine days inside a tunnel. The effort was guided by an Australian engineer who provided technical advice on ventilation, structural stability, and extraction procedures.
Rescue teams worked around the clock, using specialized equipment to stabilize the tunnel and create a safe passage for the trapped men. The operation concluded with both workers safely exiting the tunnel and receiving medical evaluation.
The incident underscores the challenges of underground construction in remote areas and the importance of international expertise in ensuring worker safety.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Inside the Nepal Tunnel Rescue Operation
The New York Times · Laura Chung · Discovery only; publisher copyright and subscription terms apply