Officials are facing significant challenges in rescuing eight construction workers who have been trapped in a 43-kilometer tunnel in Telangana for over 72 hours. The incident occurred early Saturday when a part of the tunnel's roof cave-in, affecting around 50 workers. While 43 were successfully evacuated, the remaining eight remain unaccounted for due to difficult conditions including loose soil, mud, and a lack of communication. As hopes wane, families are left anxious and angry at the circumstances that led to the crisis.
Race Against Time: Rescue Efforts Intensify for Eight Trapped Indian Workers
Race Against Time: Rescue Efforts Intensify for Eight Trapped Indian Workers
Authorities are in a race against time to save eight workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel in Telangana.
Authorities have mobilized a team of expert "rat-hole miners" known for navigating narrow tunnels, to clear debris and expedite the rescue operation. The experienced group had previously rescued 41 construction workers in a similar incident in Uttarakhand earlier this year. By Tuesday, nearly 33 kilometers of excavation were completed, with about 10 kilometers still remaining. Rescuers are utilizing a train and conveyor belt system, while continuously pumping water to maintain an oxygen supply.
The incident, part of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal irrigation project, occurred after a concrete slab covering, which was compromised due to seepage, fell into the tunnel. Twelve other workers were injured when the collapse happened. Anguished families have criticized authorities for allowing their loved ones to work under such dangerous conditions, with one relative asking why measures weren't taken to prevent sending workers into perilous environments.
A range of rescue teams—including National Disaster Response Force personnel, firefighters, and soldiers from the Indian army—are present at the scene. Initial rescue operations have faced setbacks as multiple obstacles, such as mud and an overturned boring machine, blocked their way.
Families await news of their loved ones, with many expressing desperation for their safe return. Rampratap Sahu, the father of one trapped worker, voiced his anguish as he can do little beyond praying for his son's safe return, revealing a heartbreaking belief: "I want nothing else."
The incident, part of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal irrigation project, occurred after a concrete slab covering, which was compromised due to seepage, fell into the tunnel. Twelve other workers were injured when the collapse happened. Anguished families have criticized authorities for allowing their loved ones to work under such dangerous conditions, with one relative asking why measures weren't taken to prevent sending workers into perilous environments.
A range of rescue teams—including National Disaster Response Force personnel, firefighters, and soldiers from the Indian army—are present at the scene. Initial rescue operations have faced setbacks as multiple obstacles, such as mud and an overturned boring machine, blocked their way.
Families await news of their loved ones, with many expressing desperation for their safe return. Rampratap Sahu, the father of one trapped worker, voiced his anguish as he can do little beyond praying for his son's safe return, revealing a heartbreaking belief: "I want nothing else."
