Race against time: Rescuer struggle to reach eight trapped in Srisailam tunnel collapse

Eight workers remain trapped approximately 14 kilometers inside a collapsed tunnel of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project in Telangana. Rescue operations are ongoing, with officials working tirelessly to reach the trapped individuals after a portion of the tunnel's roof caved in on Saturday morning.

Incident Overview

The collapse occurred around 8:30 AM while 51 workers were engaged in excavation work near Domalapenta, about 120 km from Hyderabad. Most workers managed to escape, but eight individuals, including two engineers, were trapped behind a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). The trapped workers have been identified as project engineer Manoj Kumar and field engineer Sri Niwas from Uttar Pradesh, along with six others from Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Punjab.

Rescue Efforts Underway

Nagarkurnool District Collector B Santhosh reported that rescuers have made progress but have yet to establish communication with those trapped. The rescue teams face challenges due to silt and water logging in the tunnel, which has complicated their efforts. Oxygen and power supply have been restored in the tunnel, and dewatering operations are in progress to facilitate access.

Challenges Faced by Rescuers

Rescue personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Army, and local agencies are working collaboratively to reach the trapped workers. An NDRF official stated that heavy equipment cannot be transported to the last point due to water logging just 2 km before the 13.5 km mark. The focus remains on dewatering the area before debris removal can commence.

Government Response and Support

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has been closely monitoring the situation and has deployed multiple teams to assist in rescue operations. Leaders from various political parties, including Rahul Gandhi, have reached out to express concern and support for the affected families. The government has assured that all necessary resources will be mobilized for a swift resolution.

Conclusion: A Race Against Time

As rescue operations continue, officials remain hopeful for a successful outcome. The incident underscores the risks associated with large-scale construction projects and highlights the importance of safety measures in such environments. The coming hours will be crucial as teams work diligently to reach those trapped inside the tunnel.