The rescue operation to find nine labourers, feared dead under the debris of an under-construction tunnel, resumed in Ramban district early on Saturday morning.

Besides recovering the body of one of the ten labourers trapped under the debris, rescuers have so far rescued three labourers in injured condition and one of them has been admitted to GMC Jammu for advanced treatment.

“Operation for 09 missing persons at Khooni Nallah adit tunnel site began at 5.30 am early morning today and continues,” Deputy Commissioner Ramban Masrat-ul-Islam said. Besides Police and army, NDRF and SDRF are part of the operation, the officials told GNS.

One of the deceased, whose body was found from the debris yesterday, has been identified as Sudhir Roy (31), son of Manik Chandra Roy of West Bengal.

“At around 10.15 pm (on May 19), the Adit tunnel of T3 caved-in, near Khooni Nallah Ramban, trapping more than a dozen labourers of Sarla Company working at the site,” the officials said.

A police officer told GNS that three persons were rescued within two and a half hours of the incident and were shifted to district hospital Ramban wherefrom one of them was referred to GMC Jammu for advanced treatment.

“Rescue operation is still going on,” the officer said, adding, “It is likely to take more time.”

The nine missing persons have been identified as Jadav Roy (23), Gautam Roy(22), Dipak Roy (33), Parimal Roy (38), all from West Bengal, Shiva Chowhn (26) from Assam, Nawaraj Chowdhury (26) and Kushi Ram (25), both from Nepal, Muzaffar (38) and Israt (30), both locals.

SHO Ramsoo Nahiem Matoo along with a police team comprising at least 10-11 personnel had a narrow escape after landslide and shooting stones at the site following which the rescue suspension was suspended last night, the officials said.