Kerala Cadaver Dogs Join SLBC Tunnel Rescue Mission In Telangana To Find 8 Trapped Workers

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with a locomotive carrying 110 personnel and excavation equipment, entered the tunnel at 7:15 AM.

Efforts to rescue the workers trapped in the SLBC tunnel in Nagarkurnool have intensified with the deployment of a specialised cadaver dog squad from Kerala. These highly trained Belgian Malinois dogs, known for their ability to detect human remains even through significant debris, were brought in early Friday to assist in locating the missing individuals.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with a locomotive carrying 110 personnel and excavation equipment, entered the tunnel at 7:15 AM. The mission is being led by Army Commandant Parikshit Mehra of the Dogra Regiment and NDRF Assistant Commandant Dr Harshit. Authorities expect the search team to complete their work and exit the tunnel by 2:30 PM.

Rescue efforts, overseen by Nagarkurnool District Collector Santosh Badavat, have identified five possible locations where the trapped workers might be, based on Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scans. However, the operation is proving difficult due to the immense amount of debris, and officials indicate that clearing the rubble may take longer than anticipated.

The cadaver dogs, flown in specifically for this operation underwent an intensive strategy session on Thursday to map out their search plan. Their expertise in locating missing persons and human remains is expected to be crucial in advancing the rescue effort.

The rescue operation is a multi-agency effort, involving personnel from the Army, NDRF, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), working in four shifts to ensure round-the-clock progress. Families of the trapped workers are reportedly being kept informed of developments as officials push forward with the mission.

Concerned by the gravity of the situation, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed authorities to accelerate the rescue process, assuring that all necessary state resources are being mobilised. CM also visited the mishap site on last Sunday.