In a stunning display of resilience and teamwork, rescuers from the National Disaster Response Force successfully freed 41 workers who had been trapped in a collapsed Himalayan tunnel for a harrowing 17 days. The dramatic rescue operation unfolded in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand, where marathon efforts overcame numerous setbacks.

The workers were trapped since November 12 when the tunnel collapsed, but their ordeal ended when rescuers used a steel ramp to access a 60-meter escape passage. A group of miners, displaying extraordinary determination, drilled the final section by hand, marking a triumphant end to the challenging mission.

Prime Minister Modi, acknowledging the courage and determination of those involved, saluted their spirit and stated that their efforts had given the rescued workers a new lease on life. In a post on X (platform not specified), he praised the mission as an "amazing example of humanity and teamwork."

The miners, transported on wheeled stretchers through a narrow 90cm (3ft) tube, were promptly taken to the hospital for examination. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the rescued workers.

President Droupadi Murmu expressed relief and happiness on X, formerly Twitter, upon learning of the successful rescue. Murmu commended the rescue effort, describing it as a testament to human resilience, given the obstacles faced during the operation.

Throughout the rescue, effective communication was maintained via walkie-talkies between those on the surface and the trapped miners. The workers were supplied with essential resources, including oxygen, food, and water, through a separate narrow tube.

The moment of liberation was met with wild cheers and flower garlands as the workers emerged from the tunnel. Friends, family, and local residents, expressing their joy, gathered outside the tunnel, celebrating with firecrackers and distributing candy.

The successful outcome of this challenging rescue mission stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of collaborative efforts in the face of adversity.