At least eight workers are feared trapped after a section of an under-construction tunnel collapsed behind the Srisailam dam in Telangana on Saturday. The incident took place on the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) in Nagarkurnool district while workers were fixing a leak inside the tunnel.
Officials reported that while dozens of workers managed to escape, at least eight remain missing. Over 10 meters of the tunnel’s structure collapsed, spreading mud across a 200-meter stretch.
An official statement explained, “A portion of the SLBC tunnel near Domalapenta collapsed at the 14 km mark. The roof of the left-side tunnel caved in for almost three meters while workers were on duty.” The tunnel had reopened only four days ago before this incident occurred.
District Collector B Santosh confirmed that there has been no communication with those trapped, as internal contact systems have failed. The air chamber and conveyor belt inside the tunnel also collapsed, making rescue efforts more challenging.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the incident and confirmed that several workers were injured, although the exact number of casualties was not provided. “I have directed officials to reach the site immediately and start relief operations,” he stated online.
The Chief Minister has tasked the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, Fire Department, and Irrigation Department officials to lead the rescue mission. Meanwhile, Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar and senior officials are heading to the site in a special helicopter to monitor the situation.
Rescue operations are actively ongoing, with efforts focused on clearing debris and restoring communication with the trapped workers.
