On the fourth day of the operations to save the lives of eight workers trapped inside the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) Tunnel in Domalapenta in Telangana, rescue teams are facing new hurdles to reach to accident spot. 

Mud and water at a 200-meter stretch is preventing the rescue teams consisting of Army, Navy and NDRF members from reaching the accident spot at the 14 km point in the 44 km long tunnel, according to officials. 

The crashed bore drilling machine in the tunnel is obstructing the way to take heavy machinery including big motors to pump out the water. The sample of water and mud have also been sent for geological examination.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy reviewed the rescue operations and directed the officials to explore the possibility of digging a way parallel to the canal to reach the spot.

The roof collapsed at 14 km point in the 43.93 km long canal on Saturday morning due to water leakage trapping the workers inside.

Out of 50 workers present in the tunnel at the time of the mishap, 42 including 13 who sustained injuries, rushed out while eight were trapped.

Published on February 25, 2025