Uncertain Fate of Eight Workers Trapped in Telangana Tunnel as Rescue Efforts Continue

Hyderabad, Feb 23 (NationPress) More than 36 hours after a segment of an under-construction tunnel in Telangana's Nagarkurnool district collapsed, rescue teams comprising the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Army, and other agencies have been tirelessly working to save the eight trapped workers. The Indian Navy is also poised to join the ongoing rescue operation.

The teams have approached the 14th-km mark where the roof of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel caved in on Saturday.

Personnel from NDRF, the Army, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), and the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) are making strenuous efforts despite facing significant challenges from water and silt that have nearly filled the tunnel.

Approximately 250 members from NDRF, State Disaster Response Force, and 24 personnel each from the Army, SCCL, and HYDRAA are working hard to dewater and desilt the tunnel.

Ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy and Jupally Krishna Rao are overseeing the rescue efforts and have even entered the tunnel via a loco train.

After exiting the tunnel, Jupally Krishna Rao informed the media that the rescue teams were not receiving any sounds from within, a sign of concern. However, he confirmed that oxygen is being supplied to the area. The teams are engaged in dewatering and desilting efforts.

There is a significant accumulation of silt, reaching heights of about 15 feet, obstructing the rescue operation. Heavy machinery cannot be brought inside to clear the debris.

Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasized that all measures are being taken to safely extract the trapped individuals and added that they are considering digging into the tunnel from above.

A contingent from the Indian Navy is expected to arrive in Srisailam on Sunday night to participate in the rescue mission.

NDRF Deputy Commandant Sukhendu Datta remarked that the task is arduous due to the tunnel being inundated.

"Our heavy equipment cannot access the accident site. Water must be pumped out to allow machinery in to clear the debris," he stated.

Rescue teams have attempted to call out to the trapped workers but have received no response.

Fishing boats, tires, and wooden planks have been arranged to assist the rescue workers in navigating the flooded sections of the tunnel.

At least two workers sustained injuries, and eight others remain trapped following the collapse of the tunnel being excavated for the SLBC near Domalapenta.

Out of 50 individuals working on the left-side tunnel, the roof collapsed over a three-meter stretch. The incident occurred at the 14th km point.

While 42 workers managed to escape, eight remain trapped, including two engineers and two machine operators.

The trapped workers hail from Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

Among those trapped are Project Manager Manoj Kumar (Uttar Pradesh), Machine Engineer Srinivas (Uttar Pradesh), and machine operators Sunny Singh (J&K) and Gurpreet Singh (Punjab).

The four workers from Jharkhand are Sandeep Sahu, Santosh Sahu, Anju Sahu, and Jagta Khes.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy assured that the government will extend all possible support to the families of the affected workers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Saturday, inquiring about the situation and pledging full assistance from the Central government.

Top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also communicated with the Chief Minister on Sunday to get updates on the rescue operations.

The state government recently resumed tunnel construction to expedite the long-overdue project, which had restarted just four days prior to the incident, when 50 workers entered the tunnel to commence work.