Telangana government denies reports of bodies found.
Rescue teams working at the Telangana tunnel accident site are utilizing advanced technology to ensure the safety of workers and assess conditions inside the tunnel. Special cameras and high-precision sensors have been deployed to continuously monitor internal conditions, providing real-time data to aid rescue operations.
Officials have emphasized that these monitoring devices are crucial for detecting structural instabilities, oxygen levels, and potential hazards within the tunnel. The data collected helps engineers and rescue personnel make informed decisions, ensuring a safe and efficient operation.
Despite various reports circulating on social media, the government has refuted claims that bodies have been found inside the tunnel. Authorities have urged the public to rely on official updates and avoid spreading misinformation that may cause panic.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with experts working around the clock to assess the situation and ensure the safe retrieval of any trapped individuals. The use of modern technology, combined with the expertise of rescue teams, is expected to expedite the process while prioritizing safety measures for all personnel involved.
Hyderabad Tunnel Rescue Operation Nears Final Stage
The operation to rescue eight trapped workers in a partially collapsed tunnel in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district entered its final stage on Saturday, a week after the tragedy. The state government has refuted reports of bodies being found inside the tunnel, urging the public to rely only on official updates.
Intensive Rescue Efforts Underway
Ambulances have been stationed near the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel as multiple rescue teams intensify desilting and machine-cutting operations. The teams involved in the rescue efforts include:
- Indian Army and Navy
- Singareni Mines Rescue and Fire Services
- National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) and HYDRAA
- South Central Railway plasma cutters team
- Rat Miners
These teams are focusing on five locations identified by NGRI after scanning the accident site using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR).
NGRI Experts Detect Soft Material
NGRI experts detected soft material under the debris in the last 10-15 meters of the tunnel, but it remains uncertain whether this is linked to the trapped workers. The rescue teams need to clear five to seven meters of silt deposits at these five identified locations before confirming any further details.
In addition to debris removal, the workers are also engaged in repairing the tunnel’s conveyor belt. Officials stated that once the conveyor belt is functional, it would significantly accelerate the pace of rescue operations.
Continuous Water Seepage Hampers Efforts
Despite significant progress, continuous water seepage remains the biggest challenge in the rescue efforts. Authorities are working on pumping out water from the accident site to ensure a safer environment for the workers engaged in rescue operations.
Nagarkurnool District Collector Badavath Santosh on Friday night categorically denied the reports claiming that bodies had been found. He urged media outlets to refrain from broadcasting unverified information that could lead to unnecessary panic.
“NGRI has identified certain points, but we cannot say with 100% certainty that it is the trapped individuals. It could be metal or some other material. We are proceeding with the findings and working methodically,” the Collector stated.
Use of Advanced Technology to Speed Up Rescue Efforts
Authorities have deployed high-tech equipment to assist in the rescue efforts. Some of the critical tools and strategies being used include:
- Plasma gas cutters for precise cutting through debris.
- Specialized cameras and sensors to monitor the tunnel’s internal conditions in real-time.
- Excavators and conveyor belts for the removal of sludge and debris.
Officials emphasized that every necessary piece of equipment is being kept on standby to ensure rapid action when required.
Incident Overview: 8 Workers Remain Trapped
The tragic incident occurred on February 22, 2025, when a portion of the tunnel’s roof collapsed at the 14th km point, trapping eight workers inside and injuring two others.
The identities of the trapped individuals have been confirmed 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 Sahau (Jharkhand)
Among them, two are engineers, two are operators, and the remaining four are laborers. All were employed by Jaiprakash Associates, the contracting firm responsible for the tunnel project.
Hopes for a Safe Rescue
With the operation now entering its final stage, authorities remain hopeful that the trapped workers can be safely brought out. The state government has assured that all possible resources are being utilized to expedite the rescue.
As the situation develops, officials continue to urge patience and caution in reporting updates, ensuring that misinformation does not hinder rescue operations or cause unnecessary distress to the families of the trapped individuals.
With dedicated efforts from multiple agencies and the use of cutting-edge technology, the rescue operation is progressing towards a resolution, with the hopes that all trapped workers will be brought out alive and safe.