Nagarkurnool, Telangana (National Times): At least six workers are feared trapped after a section of the roof collapsed in an under-construction tunnel of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) in Nagarkurnool district on Saturday, according to police officials.
Authorities confirmed that a team from the construction company has entered the site to assess the situation.
Workers Trapped Deep Inside Tunnel
A senior police official, citing information from the construction company, stated that between six to eight workers were inside the tunnel when the roof caved in.
“The incident took place approximately 12-13 kilometers inside the tunnel while workers were engaged in construction work,” the official told PTI.
Rescue Efforts Underway
A press release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) acknowledged the incident but did not specify the number of workers trapped or injured. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has directed the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and other officials to rush to the site and oversee relief and rescue operations.
Following the CM’s orders, State Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, a government adviser on irrigation Adityanath Das, and other officials have also left for the accident site in a special helicopter to monitor the situation closely.
Union Minister Expresses Concern
Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy has expressed deep concern over the accident. He has instructed officials to prioritize rescue efforts and ensure that those trapped are brought to safety. Additionally, he has emphasized providing immediate medical attention to any injured workers, according to a statement from his office.
As rescue teams work against time, further updates are awaited on the condition of the trapped workers and ongoing relief efforts.
