Rescue operation underway for 8 workers trapped in Telangana’s Srisailam tunnel collapse | Hyderabad News
NEW DELHI: Rescue operations are underway on Sunday after a portion of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel collapsed in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district on Saturday. Emergency teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams working to locate and rescue trapped workers inside the tunnel.
Sukhendu, NDRF deputy commander said, “Yesterday at around 10pm, we went inside the tunnel to analyse the situation. Out of the 13 km distance inside the tunnel, we covered 11 km on this locomotive and the remaining 2 km, we covered on the conveyor belt. When we reached the end of the TMV (Tunnel Boring Machine), we tried to establish contact with the trapped workers by calling out their names, but we could not find anything.”
Further he stated, ”There is a 200-metre patch filled with debris. Until this debris is cleaned, we will not be able to find out the exact location of the trapped workers and rescue them. Water is filled in the patch between 11-13 km of the tunnel, and until water is removed, debris cleaning work will not start. Our first team reached here around 7pm yesterday. To rescue the trapped workers, first we need to complete the dewatering process and then remove the debris. The exact location of the trapped workers is yet to be ascertained.”
Earlier, The senior irrigation officials have confirmed that the collapse of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel roof was triggered by a sudden leakage of water and soil, affecting nearly 13 kilometres of the excavation site.
The SLBC tunnel, which extends approximately 44 kilometres from the left bank of the Srisailam Dam, suffered the accident about 13 kilometres from its entrance.
An earth fracture along the tunnel wall allowed water and mud to rush in, forcing workers to flee for safety. According to Jaiprakash Associates and Robbins India, the companies responsible for tunnel boring, the incident occurred within 30 minutes of starting work at 8am. While workers near the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) managed to escape, those in the front section of the tunnel were trapped.
Work was immediately halted, and supervisors swiftly evacuated as many workers as possible. Officials have assured that the ventilation system inside the tunnel remains operational, ensuring a continuous oxygen supply for those still trapped.
Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate and assist the missing workers, with the Army expected to arrive at the site by Saturday night to aid in the ongoing operations.
