Three workers trapped in a tunnel following a construction accident at the Quanmutang reservoir project in Shaodong, Hunan province were recovered after all-out rescue efforts. However, the workers later died from their injuries, local authorities said on Saturday.

The accident occurred at around 8:50 pm on Friday at a pipe-jacking section of the project, according to a notice issued by the Shaodong water resources bureau.

Upon receiving the report, emergency response teams — including fire rescue, emergency management, water resources, and health authorities, along with the construction company — rushed to the scene and launched a full-scale rescue operation.

By 2:06 am on Saturday, all three trapped workers had been rescued from the tunnel. Despite exhaustive medical efforts, they succumbed to their injuries, the bureau added.