Rescue Efforts Continue for 8 Workers Trapped in SLBC Tunnel

Rescue operations are still underway to save the eight workers trapped inside the SLBC tunnel. However, difficult conditions inside the tunnel have slowed progress for the second day in a row. The tunnel is filled with mud, and the collapse of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) head, along with obstructing equipment, has made it challenging for rescue teams to move forward.

Army and NDRF teams have reached close to the TBM and are calling out the names of the trapped workers, but there has been no response. The incident happened on Saturday morning at the 14-kilometer mark from the Srisailam reservoir side, when a part of the tunnel’s ceiling suddenly collapsed while workers were on duty. Some managed to escape, but eight workers remained trapped near the TBM. The missing workers have been identified as Sunny Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Santosh Sahu, Anuj Sahu, Jagtaj Singh, Sandeep Sahu, Manoj Kumar, and Srinivas.

To assist in the rescue efforts, Naval personnel from Visakhapatnam have arrived via three helicopters and will join the mission today. The Singareni rescue team, which specializes in underground mine rescues, has also reached the site with advanced equipment. A total of 130 NDRF personnel, 120 SDRF personnel, 24 Army personnel, 24 Singareni rescue team members, and 24 from Hydra are actively working to bring the trapped workers to safety.