In Nagarkurnool district, Telangana, rescuers face challenges as muck mixed with water obstructs efforts to save eight trapped laborers in a collapsed tunnel. The incident occurred around 8:30 AM when a section of the 44-km tunnel behind the Srisailam dam fell in. While many escaped, communication with the trapped workers has failed. Four NDRF teams are en route to assist in the rescue, which is complicated by unstable boulders and water gushing from a fracture. Telangana’s Chief Minister Revanth Reddy emphasized the urgency of the rescue and government support for families affected by the collapse.
Hyderabad:
Water mixed with muck spans 200 metres and poses a significant challenge for rescuers attempting to retrieve eight labourers who have been trapped for over 24 hours in a collapsed tunnel in Nagarkurnool district of Telangana. The roof of the 44-km-long tunnel, located behind the Srisailam dam, collapsed at approximately 8:30 am yesterday. While numerous workers managed to escape, at least eight who were inside to address a leak became trapped. There has been no contact with these workers following the incident due to the failure of the internal communication system.
Four teams from the NDRF are en route to the collapse site, and several agencies are actively participating in the rescue efforts.
A preliminary report on the collapse indicated that shifting boulders create sounds that suggest the roof in the affected area is unstable. Water is rushing out from a crack in the tunnel wall, necessitating dewatering before any rescue operations can proceed, according to the report.
The report estimated that the collapsed roof covered a span of 200 metres, located about 13 km from the tunnel entrance.
Exclusive footage captured within the tunnel showed a rescuer calling out the names of the trapped labourers this morning, hoping that any response would aid in locating them.
An official from the NDRF stated that a rescue team entered the tunnel last night. They traveled 11 km via a locomotive and covered the remaining 2 km on a conveyor belt. “When we reached the end of the tunnel boring machine, we shouted their names, but received no response,” he shared.
The tunnel is inundated with water, and the workers cannot be located until the debris is cleared, he added.
The situation is being continuously monitored by both state and central authorities. The Union Home Ministry is in contact with the state government and relevant departments for support.
During a review meeting yesterday, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy was updated on the current situation by Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar. The meeting also included State Adviser (Irrigation) Adityanath Das and Chief Minister’s Adviser Vem Narender Reddy.
At the meeting, the Chief Minister urged officials to accelerate rescue efforts and ensure that government assistance reaches the affected families. He has also instructed all departments to remain vigilant throughout the rescue operations.