Authorities are racing against time to rescue eight construction workers who have been trapped in a collapsed tunnel in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana for over 72 hours. The incident occurred early Saturday morning when part of the tunnel's roof caved in while about 50 workers were on site. While 43 workers escaped unharmed, the remaining eight are unreachable due to hazardous conditions inside the tunnel.
Race Against Time to Rescue Trapped Indian Workers in Telangana
Race Against Time to Rescue Trapped Indian Workers in Telangana
Desperate efforts are underway as eight construction workers remain trapped inside a collapsed tunnel in Telangana.
Qualified rescue teams from various agencies are on the scene, facing significant setbacks caused by loose soil and mud conditions. They are unable to establish communication with the trapped workers or provide them with necessary supplies. Jupally Krishna Rao, the overseeing minister of the rescue operation, indicated that the survival chances for the trapped men are diminishing.
On Monday, a specialized team of tunnel rescuers, experienced in navigating narrow spaces, arrived to assist. This team previously managed successful rescues during a landslide disaster in Uttarakhand. As of now, around 33 kilometers of tunnel have been excavated with a remaining distance of approximately 10 kilometers to reach the trapped individuals. Rescuers are relying on trains and conveyor belts to transport equipment and remove debris while continuously pumping water from the tunnel to maintain oxygen levels.
The rough geographical terrain has shifted efforts to a crawl, leading to growing unease among the families waiting for updates. Relatives express despair and anger at the conditions that led to the workers’ risky assignment, pledging not to allow their loved ones to undertake such perilous work again.
The collapse, which took place during the ongoing irrigation construction for the Srisailam Left Bank Canal, has also caused injuries to several workers. Relief teams, including members of the National Disaster Response Force and military personnel, are working tirelessly despite hitting roadblocks created by tons of mud and debris hindering passage within the tunnel. As teams continue to search for responses from the trapped workers, worried families cling tightly to hope for a miracle.
"All I can do is pray to bring my son back," shared Rampratap Sahu, a father of one of the trapped workers. As the rescue operation continues, time is of the essence for both the trapped workers and their anxious families.
On Monday, a specialized team of tunnel rescuers, experienced in navigating narrow spaces, arrived to assist. This team previously managed successful rescues during a landslide disaster in Uttarakhand. As of now, around 33 kilometers of tunnel have been excavated with a remaining distance of approximately 10 kilometers to reach the trapped individuals. Rescuers are relying on trains and conveyor belts to transport equipment and remove debris while continuously pumping water from the tunnel to maintain oxygen levels.
The rough geographical terrain has shifted efforts to a crawl, leading to growing unease among the families waiting for updates. Relatives express despair and anger at the conditions that led to the workers’ risky assignment, pledging not to allow their loved ones to undertake such perilous work again.
The collapse, which took place during the ongoing irrigation construction for the Srisailam Left Bank Canal, has also caused injuries to several workers. Relief teams, including members of the National Disaster Response Force and military personnel, are working tirelessly despite hitting roadblocks created by tons of mud and debris hindering passage within the tunnel. As teams continue to search for responses from the trapped workers, worried families cling tightly to hope for a miracle.
"All I can do is pray to bring my son back," shared Rampratap Sahu, a father of one of the trapped workers. As the rescue operation continues, time is of the essence for both the trapped workers and their anxious families.
