India: Tunnel collapse traps workers

On Saturday, February 22, a 44-kilometer tunnel under construction behind the Srisailam Dam in Nagarkurnool, India, collapsed while workers were inside. While most managed to escape, eight people remain trapped and out of contact beneath the rubble. The trapped individuals include four laborers and four employees of the construction company.

The collapse occurred 13 kilometers into the tunnel. Despite the prompt arrival of rescue teams—including the Army, National Disaster Response Force, and Navy commandos—significant obstacles are hindering their approach to the trapped workers. As of now, rescue teams are just 100 meters away from the site but are experiencing delays due to a combination of water, debris, and overwhelming muck. Reports indicate that shifting boulders and cracks in the tunnel walls are causing water to gush in, further complicating rescue efforts.

Authorities have stated that rescue teams are using rubber tubes and wooden planks to navigate the debris-filled tunnel, while additional equipment has been requested to assist in the operation. However, the tunnel remains unstable, and there are serious concerns about its structural integrity. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is coordinating efforts with officials to drain water from the tunnel and ensure an adequate oxygen supply for the rescuers.

The cause of the collapse is still unknown, but an investigation will commence once the rescue operation is complete. Efforts to save the trapped workers are ongoing, and officials remain hopeful that they can be rescued safely.