Sudden flood leads to catastrophic roof collapse within SLBC tunnel

The Srisailam left bank canal project near Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district experienced a devastating tunnel collapse on Saturday, trapping eight workers.

The incident occurred at around 8.30 am, with around 50 workers, including engineers from Jaiprakash Associates and Robbins, a US-based firm, inside the tunnel. The individuals trapped are from various locations, including Unnao (UP), Chandauli (UP), Gumla (Jharkhand), Jaiprakash Associates, Robbins (the tunnel boring contractor), Gurha Manhasan (J&K), and Taran Taran (Punjab).

Uttam Kumar Reddy, the irrigation minister, identified the missing persons: Manoj Kumar, Niwas, Sandeep Sahu, Jagta Xess, Santosh Sahu, Anuj Sahu, Sunny Singh, and Gurpreet Singh.

Immediately following the incident, special teams and ambulances were stationed near the worksite for immediate treatment of rescued workers. Three workers who were injured in the incident were rushed to the nearby TG Genco hospital for treatment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured help for the rescue operations, and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy issued instructions for speedy rescue efforts. The state disaster response and fire services chief, along with his personnel, are present at the site to assist in the rescue efforts. National Disaster Relief Force teams have also been deployed for the rescue efforts.

The tunnel boring contractor for the project was Larsen & Toubro (L&T). Dewatering is part of the work, and a team from the Geological Survey of India recently inspected the tunnel work and gave the go-ahead to restart it. Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that seepage of water is a normal occurrence and continuously dealt with.

A huge vent powered by giant fans located at the entrance of the tunnel pumps in air round the clock into the tunnel to ensure the supply of fresh air. However, following the tunnel collapse, there was chaos inside the tunnel as the power supply was lost, likely cutting off the supply cables and leaving everyone inside in the dark.

Uttam Kumar Reddy responded to criticism from BRS leaders over the accident by stating that the previous BRS government had allocated `19 crore for dewatering costs. The Singareni Collieries Company Limited has sent a 19-member rescue team to Domalapenta to aid in the rescue efforts.

Uttam Kumar Reddy expressed hope that the eight workers would be safe, but it was not immediately known if the vent pipes were also impacted in the collapse. The rescue operations are ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.