Rescue efforts intensify for 8 workers trapped in Telangana tunnel collapse

Rescue operations are in full swing to save eight workers trapped for nearly 48 hours inside the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is working tirelessly to reach the workers, who remain stuck amid debris and muck inside the collapsed section.

Telangana Minister J. Krishna Rao, who inspected the site, expressed concerns about the workers’ chances of survival, stating, “The situation doesn’t look promising. The muck inside the tunnel is piled too high, making it difficult to navigate.” Rescuers are using rubber tubes and wooden planks to carefully maneuver through the treacherous conditions, he added.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning when a three-meter section of the roof of an under-construction stretch of the SLBC tunnel collapsed at the 14 km mark near Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district. The collapse happened just four days after construction had resumed following a prolonged break. While several workers managed to escape, eight were left trapped inside.

Efforts are ongoing to safely evacuate the trapped workers as rescue teams battle challenging conditions inside the tunnel.