Minister Jupally Krishna Rao stated that the condition of workers trapped inside the SLBC tunnel is critical. Rescue operations continue as authorities strive to locate and save the missing workers.
HYDERABAD: Minister Jupally Krishna Rao expressed deep concern over the condition of workers trapped inside the SLBC (Srisailam Left Bank Canal) tunnel. He stated that the situation inside the tunnel is extremely grim, with no signs of life detected. The minister has been overseeing the ongoing rescue operations at the site.
Accompanied by rescue teams, Minister Jupally personally entered the tunnel to assess the situation. After nearly five hours inside, he emerged and briefed the media on the latest developments.
He noted that the severity of the incident was high and that the chances of survival for the eight trapped workers appeared very low. He further explained that the tunnel boring machine had been displaced due to the force of the water. Rescue teams have reached the accident site, and it may take another two to three hours to locate the missing workers. The issue is concentrated within a 100-meter stretch, where water and sludge accumulation have complicated rescue efforts. Despite these challenges, rescue operations are continuing through the night.
SLBC Tunnel Collapse Details
The SLBC tunnel accident occurred during ongoing canal construction work near Domalapenta in the Nagarkurnool district. While installing a retaining wall at the 14-kilometer mark of the tunnel, a three-meter section collapsed on Saturday, February 22. The cave-in caused damage to tunnel rings and disrupted the power supply inside.
As a result of the collapse, ten workers sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment. However, eight workers remain trapped inside. The government has launched an extensive rescue operation to locate and bring them to safety.
