Tunnel Collapses In Telangana’s Srisailam Left Bank, Several Workers Feared Trapped

The incident took place as they were engaged in routine operations within the irrigation project of Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana.

Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy is on the way to supervise rescue operations.

Source : Special arrangement

A section of Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel near Domalapenta in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district collapsed on Saturday morning, trapping several workers inside, as reported by The Indian Express. The incident took place as they were engaged in routine operations within the irrigation project tunnel.

The three kilometer of the 14 kilometer tunnel reportedly gave way during the construction. A team from the construction company has also been sent to assess the damage and verify them.  Rescue efforts are ongoing with authorities working to reach the trapped workers. The officials from the Irrigation Department arrived at the site to assess the situation.

The collapse comes just four days after the tunnel work has started. 

Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy is reportedly on the way to supervise rescue operations. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy has reportedly expressed shock over the accident. He instructed the district collector, SP, fire department, HYDRAA, and irrigation officials to swiftly reach the site and start relief efforts.

As per Revanth Reddy's directive, Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, Irrigation Advisor Adityanath Das, and senior irrigation officials flew to the accident location in a special helicopter.

 

ఎస్‌ఎల్‌బీసీ టన్నెల్‌ వద్ద జరిగిన ప్రమాదంపై ముఖ్యమంత్రి ఎ. రేవంత్ రెడ్డి గారు దిగ్భ్రాంతి వ్యక్తం చేశారు. టన్నెల్‌ వద్ద పైకప్పు కూలి పలువురికి గాయాలైన సమాచారం అందిన వెంటనే ముఖ్యమంత్రి గారు అధికారులను అప్రమత్తం చేశారు. జిల్లా కలెక్టర్, ఎస్పీ, అగ్నిమాపక శాఖ, హైడ్రా, ఇరిగేషన్ విభాగం…

— Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) February 22, 2025

 

"The incident occurred when some workers had gone inside as part of the work when roof collapsed at 12-13 kms inside the tunnel," the official said, as per PTI.

A press release from the state also did not mention the number of injured but confirmed that some persons suffered injuries. The media reports suggest that at least seven persons have suffered injuries in the tunnel collapse. 

(More details awaited)