Rescuers in Telangana are urgently working to save eight workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel for over 48 hours. The tunnel, intended to be 44 km long, collapsed while they were repairing a leak. Four laborers and four construction employees remain isolated, with a state minister stating that their chances of survival are “very, very remote” due to obstructive muck and water. Army, National Disaster Response Force, and Navy commandos are involved in the rescue, facing challenges from water and unstable tunnel conditions. Assistance has been pledged by political leaders, with efforts focused on draining water and providing necessary oxygen.
Hyderabad:
Rescue teams are working tirelessly to free eight workers who have been trapped for more than 48 hours in a collapsed tunnel in Telangana. A state minister has indicated that their chances of survival are “very, very remote,” as accumulated debris and water complicate the rescue efforts.
The tunnel, intended to be 44 kilometers long, collapsed early Saturday morning while some workers were conducting repairs on a leak behind the Srisailam dam in Nagarkurnool. Although most workers were able to escape, eight individuals became trapped and have been unreachable since Saturday.
Among those trapped are four laborers and four employees of the construction company, according to state minister Krishna Rao, who is managing the rescue operations.
Watch: Exclusive Footage Displays Rescue Mission Within Collapsed Telangana Tunnel
The rescue operation involves the Army, National Disaster Response Force, and state agencies, with Navy commandos also deployed for assistance. Additionally, six members from the heroic team of the 2023 Silkyara tunnel operation in Uttarakhand have joined the rescue mission.
The collapse occurred approximately 13 kilometers from the tunnel’s entrance, and rescuers have reached the last 100 meters. However, the minister noted that water and debris are obstructing the operation.
“Debris has accumulated excessively inside the tunnel, making it impossible to traverse. Rescuers are utilizing rubber tubes and wooden planks for navigation. Although the chances of survival are very, very slim, we remain hopeful and are leaving no stone unturned,” stated Mr. Rao.
Read: Water and Debris Create Obstacles for Rescuers at Collapsed Telangana Tunnel
The rescuers have also highlighted the necessity for additional equipment as they face challenges to rescue the trapped workers. A report yesterday mentioned cracks in the tunnel walls where water was leaking, necessitating dewatering efforts.
Another concern is the sound of shifting boulders, which indicates that the roof in the collapsed section of the tunnel remains unstable.
The situation is being monitored continuously at both central and state levels.
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, whose Congress party is in power in Telangana, contacted Chief Minister Revanth Reddy yesterday to inquire about the rescue operations, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered full support.
Mr. Reddy’s office reported last night that he has been consistently overseeing the situation and obtaining updates from senior officials. He is aware of the challenges and has requested that measures be taken to drain water from the tunnel and provide oxygen supplies. The Chief Minister’s Office stated that rescuers are removing debris and seeking alternative routes to reach the collapse site.