Published Mar 09, 2025 | 6:12 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 09, 2025 | 6:25 PM
SLBC Tunnel Collapse
Synopsis: After 16 days of intense rescue operations, teams discovered the body of a worker trapped in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel. The remains, found on 9 March near the Tunnel Boring Machine, were identified as engineer Gurpreet Singh, based on a bracelet. DNA tests will confirm the identity. Cadaver dogs and seismology studies led to the breakthrough
After 16 days of relentless rescue operations, teams have discovered a body of a worker trapped in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel following a roof collapse. The remains were found near the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) on Sunday, 9 March.
Rescue teams, supported by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other agencies, made a breakthrough after cadaver dogs and seismology studies pinpointed two potential locations for missing workers. During excavation, a right hand was discovered near the TBM, confirming the presence of a body beneath the debris. Further investigation revealed that the right arm and left leg of the deceased worker were trapped within the concrete structure.
Additional Collector B Devasahayam confirmed to South First, that a body has been found. He couldn’t confirm the name, but he informed that the body is still being taken out.
Rescue teams believe that three more workers may be buried within a one-to-four-foot radius of the first body’s location. Cadaver dogs from Kerala have been deployed in the D2 section of the tunnel to assist in pinpointing their remains.
On Saturday night, human remains were detected approximately six feet beneath the debris, leading to targeted excavation efforts. Given the highly mutilated state of the remains, officials are proceeding with extreme caution to prevent further damage.
The rescue operation has been extremely challenging, with teams facing unstable debris, thick muck, and water seepage inside the collapsed tunnel. The use of cutters and drilling equipment has been necessary to free the remains stuck in the machine.
Authorities have stationed an ambulance at the tunnel entrance to immediately transport the recovered body once fully excavated.
To accelerate the recovery process and ensure the safety of rescue personnel, the Telangana government has announced the deployment of robots from March 11 to assist in debris removal.
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has warned that rescue efforts in the last 70 meters of the collapsed tunnel should be conducted with extreme caution due to hazardous conditions.
On 22 February, a portion of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Nagarkurnool collapsed, trapping eight workers, including two engineers, under layers of debris and slush.
The missing workers have been identified as:
Manoj Kumar (Uttar Pradesh)
Sri Niwas (Uttar Pradesh)
Sunny Singh (Jammu & Kashmir)
Gurpreet Singh (Punjab)
Sandeep Sahu (Jharkhand)
Jegta Xess (Jharkhand)
Santosh Sahu (Jharkhand)
Anuj Sahu (Jharkhand)
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, along with Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, visited the site and reviewed the ongoing operations. The damaged conveyor belt, which has been hindering the rescue efforts, is expected to be repaired by Monday, 11 March.
Terming the incident as an unfortunate tragedy, CM Revanth Reddy urged opposition parties to refrain from politicizing the crisis, emphasising the need for unity and support for the affected families.
“This is a disaster, and the state government is committed to resolving the situation. But more importantly, this is a time to show empathy and stand with the families who have lost their loved ones,” he stated.
As the rescue teams enter a critical phase, their primary focus remains on locating and retrieving the remaining trapped workers while ensuring the safety of personnel involved in the operation.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
