Telangana: Rescue Efforts Intensified To Save 8 Workers Trapped In SLBC Tunnel
In Telangana, rescue efforts have been intensified to bring out the stranded persons inside the Srisailam Left Bank Canal Tunnel project at Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district. Concerted efforts are being made by the rescue teams of the army, disaster management, Singareni Coal, and local authorities to save the lives of eight workers and engineers trapped inside the collapsed section of the SLBC Tunnel. The incident occurred yesterday morning, stranding two engineers and six workers, all from different parts of the country, and injuring several people.
State Minister J. Krishna Rao, who is at the site along with Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, informed the media that the rescue teams attempted several times to reach out to the stranded engineers and workers. He said the teams are facing challenges in reaching out to them due to mud, water, and silt, and the last stretch proved to be inaccessible.
Nearly 36 hours after the incident occurred, eight persons, including project and site engineers along with six workers stranded inside the SLBC Tunnel project, are waiting for help. Despite concerted efforts by rescue teams, including the Army, Disaster Management, and Singareni Coal mining teams, challenges are yet to be overcome in approaching the stranded individuals.
As per the authorities, rescue teams have managed to navigate about 12-13 kilometres inside the tunnel. However, the last stretch of the tunnel is precariously positioned, and any further excavation to remove debris is feared to trigger further collapse of the tunnel.
State ministers who are overseeing the operations informed that this has posed a serious challenge to the rescue mission. Though the dewatering process has begun, it remains difficult to estimate how long it will take to enable the rescue teams to gain full access.
They informed us that all options are being explored to save those who are trapped inside, and they are also considering the possibility of opening the tunnel from the other side or from the sides. The rescue teams are yet to see the light at the end of the tunnel to bring the stranded persons to safety.
Meanwhile, Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma spoke over the telephone with the local authorities and enquired about the ongoing rescue operations. The Governor has been briefed on the efforts to ensure the safe return of individuals trapped in the tunnel collapse. The governor has directed the authorities to make all-out efforts to ensure the safe return of those trapped in the tunnel.
