Telangana Tunnel Collapse: Rescuers Reach End of Tunnel, Trapped Workers Not Located Yet

A high-stakes rescue operation is underway at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana, where eight men remain trapped after a tunnel collapsed on February 22. On Wednesday, rescuers reached the end of the tunnel but were forced to return due to heavy muck and debris obstructing their search efforts.

Rescue teams have covered 13.79 km of the 13.85 km tunnel, but the last stretch remains a major challenge due to accumulated water and slush. “A 20-member team comprising NDRF, SDRF, and Rat Miners was able to reach the last points of the tunnel. But there was a lot of debris. They are working out how to go about it,” Nagarkurnool Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Gaikwad told PTI.

Government Vows to Continue Search

As the rescue operation stretches into its fourth day, the families of the trapped workers anxiously await news. Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Mallu Vikramarka assured that the government would not give up until the missing men are found. Rescuers are now planning to deploy sniffer dogs to aid in locating the workers.

District Collector B Santhosh stated that experts from the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) are assessing soil stabilization and other challenges to draft a new action plan. He also mentioned that a thermal fishing boat helped teams navigate to the accident site.

Hope Amid Uncertainty

Despite obstacles, rescuers remain determined. “Initially, there was a 40-meter hurdle due to sludge, but it has solidified to a great extent. The team could now reach the accident spot… We will take a sniffer dog inside to help locate the trapped,” an official said.

As efforts intensify, hope remains that the trapped workers will be found and safely rescued.