8 trapped in Telangana tunnel collapse, rescue operations underway
23 Feb 2025

Eight workers, including two engineers and two machine operators, were trapped after a section of the roof collapsed at the under-construction Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) in Telangana's Nagarkurnool district on Saturday.

The state government has sought the help of experts who were involved in a similar rescue operation in Uttarakhand last year.

The Indian Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have also been called for help.

Trapped workers located 14km inside tunnel
Rescue challenges

The trapped personnel are stuck around 14km inside the tunnel.

Telangana Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy said water and soil seepage started slowly before increasing, forcing workers to evacuate.

They also heard a loud sound of "geological disturbance" outside the tunnel.

"Our government is doing everything to save the lives of those eight persons," Reddy said.

State and Union ministers express concern over incident
Official response

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy was shocked by the incident and immediately alerted officials. He directed various departments, including fire services and the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), to take immediate relief measures.

Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy also expressed concern, instructing officials to ensure the safety of those trapped and treat any injured individuals.

Criticism and calls for accountability follow tunnel collapse
Political fallout

The incident has drawn flak from BRS working president KT Rama Rao, who said CM Revanth Reddy should be held accountable for the accident.

"Such a series of incidents is happening due to the collusion with contractors, the evasion of supervision in the hunt for commissions, and the complete compromise on quality standards," he said.

He called for rescue operations to be carried out on a war footing.

Expert team dispatched for rescue operations
Rescue efforts

A 19-member team from Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) has also been sent to help in rescue operations at SLBC.

The company has advanced machinery, imported from Australia, the USA, and Poland, which can cut through large rocks quickly.

SCCL CMD N Balaram stressed they were experts in handling critical situations such as roof collapses efficiently.