6 Workers Feared Trapped After SLBC Tunnel Roof Collapses in Telangana

"The incident took place when several workers were inside the tunnel for work, and the roof collapsed around 12-13 km in," the official stated.

Hyderabad: At least six workers are feared trapped after a section of the roof collapsed in an under-construction stretch of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana's Nagarkurnool district on Saturday, police said. A team from the construction company has entered the site to assess the situation.

According to a senior police official, six to eight workers may be trapped based on information from the company overseeing the project. "The incident occurred when some workers were inside the tunnel for work, and the roof collapsed approximately 12-13 km in," the official stated.

A press release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) confirmed that some individuals sustained injuries but did not specify a number.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has instructed the district Collector, Superintendent of Police, and other officials to reach the accident site and oversee relief efforts. Additionally, as per the CM’s directives, state Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, government adviser on irrigation Adityanath Das, and other irrigation officials have been dispatched to the site via a special helicopter.

Expressing concern over the incident, Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy inquired about the cause and urged officials to prioritize rescuing the trapped workers. He also directed them to ensure prompt medical attention for any injured individuals, according to a statement from his office.