SLBC tunnel roof collapse: 2 engineers among 8 trapped, informs Uttam

Assuring no stone will be left unturned to rescue the trapped workers, the minister admitted that the rescue efforts have been challenging as the accident happened 14 km inside the tunnel.

Hyderabad: Shedding more light on the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel roof collapse that occurred earlier in the day, state irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy informed there are two engineers, an eractor operator, a general operative and four labourers trapped inside.

The trapped workers included Manoj Kumar (Project Engineer) from Uttar Pradesh, Srinivas (Field Engineer) from Uttar Pradesh, Sandeep Sahu (Worker) from Jharkhand, Jataks (Worker) from Jharkhand, Santosh Sahu (Worker) from Jharkhand, Anuj Sahu (Worker) from Jharkhand, Sunny Singh (Worker) from Jammu & Kashmir, and Gurpreet Singh (Worker) from Punjab.

Reddy reached the spot where the incident happened in a special helicopter and took stock of the rescue efforts that are currently underway.

Addressing the media, he said at around 8 am, the workers entered the tunnel and turned on the boring drilling machine at a 14 km distance inside the tunnel.

“After digging to a depth of 20 meters, water began seeping in from one side of the tunnel, causing the earth to cave in. The worker operating the boring machine noticed the water leakage and immediately alerted the 42 workers behind the machine to evacuate the tunnel. However, eight workers, including two engineers, who were in front of the machine got trapped and couldn’t escape,” he told the media.

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SLBC tunnel roof collapse: SCCL roped in to rescue ‘trapped’ workers

Assuring that no stone will be left unturned to rescue the trapped workers, the minister admitted that the rescue efforts have been challenging as the accident happened 14 km inside the tunnel.

Asked if oxygen would be provided to those trapped, the minister quoted officials as saying that ventilation would not be a problem.

“Works for the project began in 2004-2005 to take water to Nalgonda from 900 metres above sea level through gravity. In some places of the tunnel cracks can be seen sometimes, and by doing grouting we go ahead with the work,” he said, adding that dewatering and desilting was being done to clear way for the rescue operation.

He said only by Sunday evening some development with regard to the rescue operations could be revealed.

SCCL roped in to rescue ‘trapped’ workers

A 19-member team from state-owned coal mining firm, Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. left for Srisailam Left Bank Canal in Nagarkurnool district on Saturday to join rescue operations to rescue the trapped workers when a portion of a roof collapsed in the under-construction stretch of the SLBC tunnel.

According to a top official of the company, SCCL has the expertise in rescuing people in such incidents and also has the necessary equipment. The rescue team from the company is headed by a general manager-level officer.

“SCCL has the necessary expertise to handle critical situations such as roof collapses. And also we have the necessary equipment imported from Australia, the USA and Poland. The machinery and rock cutters are so advanced that they can cut huge rocks and boulders within minutes,” SCCL CMD N Balram told PTI.

Indian Army’s task force comprising army engineers have been pressed to assist in the rescue operations being overseen by a commander. Rescue and medical equipment has been mobilised to aid the rescue operation.

PM Modi speaks to Telangana CM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy on the measures to rescue people trapped in the SLBC tunnel roof collapse and assured him of all possible help.

An official said, “PM Modi called Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and discussed the rescue of personnel at the SLBC tunnel. He assured all help and assistance in the rescue efforts.”