Hyderabad.23.02.2025: At least eight workers are trapped inside a tunnel in Telangana after a section collapsed on Saturday. The tunnel, located behind the Srisailam Dam in Nagarkurnool district, had reopened just four days ago. The collapse happened while workers were inside repairing a leak.
Many workers managed to escape, but eight remain trapped. The collapse covered over 10 meters of the tunnel with mud spreading across 200 meters. Among the trapped workers, four are from Jharkhand, two from Uttar Pradesh, one from Jammu and Kashmir, and one from Punjab.
Officials said the incident took place at the 14-km mark of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel. The left-side roof of the tunnel collapsed while work was in progress.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and assured full support from the central government in rescue efforts.
Telangana’s Irrigation Minister, Uttam Kumar Reddy, explained that water started seeping in slowly before the flow increased. Workers rushed out, but those near the boring machine got trapped.
The tunnel was planned to be the world’s longest of its kind at 44 km. Two tunnel-boring machines were being used—one had dug 20 km, while the other had covered 14 km. A particularly tricky 9.5 km stretch was under dewatering work when the collapse occurred.
Local officials said there has been no communication with the trapped workers, as internal systems have failed. The air chamber and conveyor belt have also collapsed, making the situation more critical.
Army Joins Rescue Operations
The Indian Army has deployed an Engineer Regiment and medical teams to assist in the rescue. Heavy machinery, including excavators and high-capacity pumping sets, are on standby.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the accident and ordered immediate relief measures. Several officials, including the Irrigation Minister, have traveled to the site to oversee rescue operations.
Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy has also asked officials to ensure the safety of the trapped workers and provide medical help to the injured.
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