At least six workers are feared trapped after a roof collapse in the under-construction Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana, on Saturday.
A senior police official confirmed that six to eight workers were inside the tunnel, 12-13 km from the entrance, when the incident occurred. The company handling the project reported the missing workers.
CM Orders Urgent Rescue Operations
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed shock and immediately alerted officials to rush to the site. His office issued a statement confirming that some workers suffered injuries, though no exact number was provided.
The district collector, superintendent of police, fire services, HYDRAA, and irrigation officials have been directed to oversee the rescue efforts. Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy and senior officials flew to the accident site in a special helicopter as per the CM’s orders.
Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy has also urged authorities to rescue those trapped and provide medical aid to the injured.
Meanwhile, BRS leader KT Rama Rao (KTR) criticized CM Reddy, blaming the Congress government for negligence. He linked the incident to a recent retaining wall collapse in Sunkishala, calling it proof of poor governance and collusion with contractors.
“Such tragedies occur due to compromised quality standards and corrupt practices. If workers are trapped, rescue efforts should be carried out on a war footing,” KTR posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Authorities are currently working to locate and rescue the trapped workers. More details on their condition are awaited.
