In a significant development in the ongoing rescue operation for a tunnel collapse in Telangana, officials reported on Saturday that the locations of four out of eight trapped individuals have been identified. State Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao shared this update after a meeting with rescue teams, including Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy.
Krishna Rao indicated that advancements have been made in the past few days, stating, “We have pinpointed the locations of four individuals using radar technology.” He expressed optimism about the possibility of their rescue by Sunday evening.
However, he noted that the other four individuals appear to be trapped beneath the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). When questioned about the condition of those whose locations have been established, the minister reiterated his earlier statement regarding their slim chances of survival.
The TBM, towering at 450 feet, is currently being cut to facilitate the rescue. A team comprising personnel from approximately 11 different agencies is actively involved in the operation.
Addressing concerns from opposition parties about delays in the rescue efforts, Krishna Rao emphasized that the experts executing the operation are highly skilled, although the complexities of the situation, particularly due to the slush inside the tunnel, have posed significant challenges.
The eight individuals, including engineers and laborers, have been trapped since February 22 under the collapsed ceiling of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, and intensive rescue operations are underway to secure their safe extraction.
