Ongoing Rescue Mission for Trapped Workers in Telangana Tunnel
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Synopsis
Rescue operations are ongoing in Telangana's Nagarkurnool district to save eight workers trapped in a tunnel collapse. The incident occurred over 30 hours ago, and teams from various agencies are engaged in the rescue efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Eight workers trapped in tunnel collapse.
- Rescue teams from multiple agencies mobilized.
- Water and silt complicating rescue operations.
- Efforts to restore electricity and supply oxygen ongoing.
- Government pledging support for victims' families.
Hyderabad, Feb 23 (NationPress) Rescue operations are ongoing as teams strive to save eight individuals stuck in a tunnel under construction in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana, more than 30 hours after a section of the tunnel's roof collapsed.
Efforts involve agencies including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Army, and Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL), all working tirelessly to rescue the trapped workers.
Approximately 250 rescuers from the NDRF, State Disaster Response Force, along with 24 personnel each from the Army, SCCL, and the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) are part of this mission.
Officials indicated that the rescue teams are positioned 200 meters away from the site of the collapse, which has been complicated by flooding and silt in the tunnel.
Rescue crews are aiming to access the tunnel boring machine where the incident transpired. They have successfully restored electricity to the tunnel and are supplying oxygen to assist the trapped workers.
Despite attempts to communicate with the trapped individuals, there has been no response.
The incident resulted in injuries to at least two workers, with a total of eight individuals trapped following the collapse of a section of the tunnel part of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) near Domalapenta.
At the time of the accident, 50 workers were engaged in activities within the tunnel, which collapsed over a distance of three meters at the 14th km mark.
While 42 workers managed to escape, the eight remaining include two engineers and two machine operators.
The NDRF team, which accessed the site via loco train up to the 11th km, encountered water and mud past this point, necessitating a 2.5 km walk to get closer to the rescue site.
Nagarkurnool district Collector Badavath Santosh stated that efforts for dewatering and desilting are underway to facilitate progress.
Heavy equipment could not be transported to the site due to the accumulation of water and silt.
Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, overseeing the operation, assured that every possible effort is being exerted to ensure the safe retrieval of the trapped workers.
The individuals trapped are from Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy and Jupally Krishna Reddy conducted a meeting with officials from the NDRF, Army, and other involved agencies.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed his dismay regarding the incident, promising that the government would provide all necessary support to the victims' families.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy regarding the situation and offered the Central government's full support.
Prominent Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also reached out to the Chief Minister on Sunday to inquire about the ongoing rescue operations.
The state government had recently recommenced construction on the tunnel to expedite completion of this long-delayed project. Work had begun just four days prior, with 50 workers entering the tunnel on Saturday morning.
Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that the tunnel work was initiated following a survey by the Geological Survey of India, noting that the contracted firm has a commendable history in tunnel excavation.
He explained that shortly after work commenced Saturday morning, water began to inundate the tunnel, leading to a soil cave-in. “The workers who managed to escape reported hearing an explosion, possibly indicating a geological disturbance,” he added, stating that those at the front of the boring machine were the ones trapped inside the tunnel.
