Footage Shows Rescue Operation Underway to Save 8 Trapped Workers in Telangana's Tunnel | Exclusive

Telangana: Donning orange rescue suits and yellow helmets, rescue workers carefully made their way through the debris of the collapsed tunnel in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district, calling out names of the eight trapped labourers. Their voices echoed inside the dark, mangled infrastructure, with no response yet from those feared stuck. Video footage from the site captures the rescue operation, showing workers inspecting the damaged pumping stations and evaluating the safest way forward.  

The collapsed portion of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel has created massive hurdles for rescuers for the opeartion that started on Saturday and continued on Sunday morning. A three-meter section of the roof collapsed on Saturday morning at the 14-km mark near Domalapenta, just four days after work resumed following a long break. While several workers managed to escape, eight remain trapped.  

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have struggled to navigate the site. “There's no chance to reach the spot inside the tunnel. It has completely collapsed, and mud is knee-deep. We need an alternative approach,” an SDRF official said, according to news agency. 

Wokers Were Inside to Repair Leak

According to multiple media reports, trapped 8 workers were inside to repair a leak when tunnel collapsed in the morning. The situation remains tense as rescuers are yet to establish direct contact with those trapped. With internal communication failing yesterday, teams are now calling out workers’ names, hoping to hear a response.  

Special Equipment Deployed, Army on Standby

A tunnel-boring machine is being brought in to accelerate rescue efforts. Additionally, an Engineer Regiment of the Indian Army’s Infantry Division in Secunderabad has been placed on standby with an Excavator Dozer, ready to assist when required. Responding to an urgent request from Telangana’s Chief Secretary, the Army quickly mobilized its Engineer Task Force (ETF), equipped with high-capacity pumping sets, armored hoses, and medical detachments.  

The 44-km-long SLBC tunnel, part of a major irrigation project meant to supply water to Nagarkurnool and Nalgonda districts, is being constructed by Jaypee Associates Group. With every passing hour, concerns grow, and rescuers remain locked in a race against time to clear the debris and bring the workers to safety.