SLBC Tunnel collapse: Rescue operations underway

Rescue teams have managed to extract three workers who sustained injuries and have been promptly shifted to Genco Hospital for treatment

Hyderabad: The SLBC tunnel collapse is believed to have been triggered by a sudden influx of water during routine excavation work carried out engaging the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). Many workers were said to be trapped inside.

Around 50 workers were present in the tunnel at the time of the accident. Rescue teams have managed to extract three workers who sustained injuries and have been promptly shifted to Genco Hospital for treatment. But the status of several other workers remains unknown.

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Some officials said that at least six to seven persons were still trapped. Efforts are on to reach out to the accident zone which was said to be close to the 14-kilometre mark on the left side of the tunnel.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has expressed his shock over the incident. He has immediately alerted the department officials concerned and directed them to make all out efforts to save the lives of the workers at any cost.

The officials from the district administration, including the District Collector, Superintendent of Police reached the tunnel along with rescue personnel from the Hydra, Fire and Irrigation Departments.

In response to the Chief Minister’s directives, Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, along with Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, Irrigation Advisor Aditya Nath Das, and other senior irrigation officials, are en route to the site to oversee rescue operations.