Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sought a detailed report on the accident at the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project, directing relevant authorities to determine its cause, assess the damage and establish responsibility.
The incident occurred during excavation work when a weak section of rock collapsed, allowing water to flow from an intake pit into a connecting tunnel and the powerhouse under construction.
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) confirmed that all workers were safely evacuated and no casualties were reported.
Shehbaz Seeks Details of Incident and Responsibility
According to sources, the prime minister has directed officials to provide a detailed account of the incident, including its background, the extent of the damage and the identification of those responsible.
The report will also cover the emergency measures taken by authorities following the accident.
Senior WAPDA Officials to Inspect Project Site
Senior WAPDA officials are scheduled to visit the site to assess the situation and examine the circumstances surrounding the rock collapse.
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According to the Ministry of Water Resources, officials will review all aspects of the incident before deciding whether to launch a formal inquiry.
Ministry officials said the next course of action would depend on the findings of the inspection and assessment.
WAPDA Confirms Workers Safe After Water Enters Tunnel
A WAPDA spokesperson said the rock collapse occurred during excavation of the second bench of the connecting tunnel at the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project.
The collapse allowed water to flow from the intake pit into the connecting tunnel and the powerhouse under construction.
Authorities immediately evacuated the workers, and WAPDA confirmed that no loss of life occurred.
The spokesperson added that officials had completely drained the intake pit, while efforts to remove water from the powerhouse were continuing.
WAPDA Rejects Reports of Main Tunnel Collapse
WAPDA rejected reports claiming that Tarbela’s Tunnel No. 5 had collapsed, describing them as incorrect.
The authority clarified that the incident had not damaged the project’s main tunnel, the powerhouse under construction, the tailrace culvert or the switchyard.
It also said no further water was entering the downstream work sites.
Senior WAPDA officials, consultants and contractors are assessing the situation to determine the extent of the incident and identify challenges affecting the project.
Tarbela Dam Discharge Exceeds 150,000 Cusecs, Alert Issued
Separately, water discharge from Tarbela Dam has exceeded 150,000 cusecs, prompting the local administration and dam authorities to issue alerts for communities along the Indus River.
According to reports from Swabi, authorities have issued alerts in Topi, Jahangira, Batakara and Punita. Residents of settlements along the riverbanks have been advised to take precautionary measures.
The administration has urged people to stay away from rivers and drains and prevent children from approaching the water.
Fishermen and livestock keepers have also been advised to remain cautious.
