Rescue operation is currently underway in Telangana's Nagarkurnool district following the collapse of a portion of a tunnel roof on Saturday. While the exact number of workers trapped remains unclear, authorities are working swiftly to reach those potentially caught inside. The incident occurred within the 14-kilometer inlet tunnel of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal, a crucial waterway project stretching from Srisailam towards Devarakonda. According to initial reports, the collapse was triggered by the shifting of a concrete segment. This segment was part of ongoing efforts to address water seepage within the tunnel.
As per the latest information six to eight individuals might be trapped. The official stated that the collapse happened while workers were approximately 12-13 kilometers inside the tunnel, engaged in maintenance activities. The statement added that the accident occurred when workers where inside.
Telangana's Chief Minister, Revanth Reddy, has responded quickly, ordering immediate relief measures. A statement from the Chief Minister's Office confirmed that "some people were injured" in the incident, although the extent of the injuries is not yet known. Reddy has dispatched the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and teams from the fire department and the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) to the scene. The state's Irrigation Minister, Uttam Kumar Reddy, along with Irrigation Advisor Aditya Nath Das, IG Sathyanarayana, and DG Fire Services GV Narayan Rao, are all present at the site, supervising the ongoing rescue efforts. Their presence underscores the seriousness with which the state government is treating the situation.
Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy has also expressed his concern, inquiring about the cause of the accident and urging officials to ensure the safe extraction of anyone trapped. A brief statement from his office also emphasised the need to provide medical attention to any injured workers.
The focus is on the rescue operation and determining the exact number of individuals affected. Further details are expected to emerge as the rescue operation progresses and investigations into the cause of the collapse get underway.
