Telangana tunnel collapse: Trapped for 32 days, search continues to save 7 workers

The search operation to save seven workers trapped inside the partially collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal in Nagarkurnool, Telangana is progressing at a brisk pace, with authorities continuing efforts to locate workers trapped for over a month.

According to authorities, efforts are continuing to dewater and remove soil and debris from the locations identified for possible human presence. Steps are also being taken to remove the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) which got stuck inside the tunnel during the collapse. In a statement, District Collector B. Santhosh said the broken parts of the Tunnel Boring Machine, which were blocking excavation at the D1 and D2 spot where human presence was found, are being removed.

The muck inside the tunnel was being removed using water jet and soil was being shifted out using excavators and a conveyor belt, authorities said in a statement. Officials have also expedited search operations inside the tunnel, they added. Authorities have restored electricity and ventilation at the accident site as about 12 agencies are working to locate the trapped workers. Over 700 personnel were involved in the operation.  The state government has also deployed robots to carry out rescue operations at dangerous spots within the tunnel.

Eight workers got trapped inside the under-construction tunnel in Nagarkurnool on February 22. The workers include four labourers, two engineers and two operators. Rescuers recovered the body of Gurpreet Singh, a TBM operator from Punjab, on March 9, and handed over to his family in Punjab. The Telangana government also announced a solatium of Rs 25 lakh for his family.  Trapped persons have been identified as Manoj Kumar (UP), Sunny Singh (J&K), Gurpreet Singh (Punjab) and Sandeep Sahu, Jegta Xess, and Anuj Sahu, all from Jharkhand.