Overview
- A weak rock section gave way during excavation of the second bench of the connecting tunnel, letting water from the intake pit flood Tunnel No.5 and parts of the under‑construction powerhouse.
- All Pakistani and foreign workers were evacuated to safety and one worker swept into the water was rescued, with authorities reporting no fatalities.
- WAPDA said the intake pit has been fully drained, dewatering of the powerhouse has begun, and the main tunnel, powerhouse, tailrace culvert and switchyard show no reported damage.
- A high‑level inquiry has been launched to determine whether the breach was caused by structural weakness, technical fault or failings in temporary works and oversight, and work will resume only after its findings.
- The incident, reported on Monday, adds to earlier cofferdam failures and delays at the World Bank and AIIB‑backed, PCCCL‑built T‑5 project and could further affect the planned 1,530 MW expansion, its timeline and costs.