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IN PHOTOS: Eight workers trapped as tunnel collapses in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool

Eight workers remain trapped after a section of the under-construction Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel collapsed in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district on Saturday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 AM when a 10-metre stretch of the tunnel roof gave way during excavation work, leaving workers operating the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) unable to escape. (PICS/PTI)

Updated On: 2025-02-23 02:43 PM IST

Compiled by : Anisha Shrivastava

(PICS/PTI) 
The collapse took place around 13 km from the tunnel’s inlet, causing debris mixed with water to spread across a 200-300 metre stretch inside the tunnel. Officials have reported that communication with the trapped workers is currently impossible, and dewatering of the site is necessary before any further rescue operations can be attempted.
The tunnel, situated about 500 feet below ground level, remains highly unstable, with shifting boulders complicating rescue efforts despite lighting being available inside the structure. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed four teams from its 10th Battalion, equipped with specialised tools, to assist in the search and rescue operations.
The Seventh Engineer Regiment from the 54th Infantry Division, along with heavy machinery such as excavators and dozers, has been placed on standby in Secunderabad for immediate deployment if required. High-level officials, including the District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, and Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Nagarkurnool, are on-site monitoring the situation.
The Central Government is closely tracking developments, with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) maintaining round-the-clock coordination with state authorities to facilitate support. The Managing Director of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is expected to arrive at the site shortly to oversee the response.

Telangana’s Minister of Irrigation, Uttam Kumar Reddy Garu, and Minister of Tourism, Jupally Krishna Rao, visited the site on Saturday, assuring full state assistance for the rescue efforts. The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) is centrally managing the response, working alongside the NDRF, SDRF, Fire Service, Police, NHIDCL, and local authorities to ensure an effective rescue operation.

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