Two workers rescued alive after nine days trapped in Nepal tunnel collapse

Two workers have been pulled out alive from a hydropower tunnel on Nepal's Trishuli River after being trapped for nine days by a glacial collapse that killed more than 1,200 people.

The survivors are Sanjay Sah, a mechanical foreman, and Kabir Maharjan, a mechanical supervisor, who were rescued from the Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Station, according to a statement from Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha's office.

Condition of rescued workers

Maharjan cannot move his hands and legs, while Sah's injuries are not critical, an aide to the energy minister said. Both workers are being transported to a hospital in Kathmandu.

Kabir Maharjan's brother Amir said the family had not received official confirmation but had been asked to go to the hospital. "I have been hearing from the news that my brother has been found. The entire family is very happy," Amir said.

Hundreds still trapped

Officials and rescuers believe at least 900 people remain trapped in tunnels related to six hydropower projects along the Trishuli River following the disaster. The collapse occurred on August 26 when an ice, rock and mud slide swept through the valley, displacing tens of thousands.

The glacier collapse on the upper reaches of the Trishuli River triggered the catastrophic slide that has become one of Nepal's deadliest natural disasters in recent years.

Source: South China Morning Post