Hyderabad

Seven workers are feared trapped after a portion of an under-construction tunnel, part of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC), collapsed in Telangana's Nagarkurnool district on Saturday.

At least 50 workers were present when the section of the tunnel collapsed behind the Srisailam dam near Domalapenta. Officials stated: "The roof of the left-side tunnel collapsed for three metres. The accident occurred at the 14th km point."

While 43 workers managed to escape, the remaining seven are feared trapped. Electricity supply to the tunnel was cut off.

Police, fire services, and Irrigation Department officials rushed to the scene to begin rescue efforts. Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy visited the site to supervise the operations.

The trapped workers include three from Jharkhand, two from Uttar Pradesh, and one each from Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed his shock at the incident and instructed local officials to take immediate action. The state government had recently resumed construction work on the tunnel, with the construction firm having restarted operations just four days ago. On Saturday morning, 50 workers entered the tunnel.

Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy expressed his grief over the tragedy and directed officials to ensure a swift and safe rescue.

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao held Chief Minister Revanth Reddy accountable for the incident, linking it to the recent collapse of the Sunkishala project wall. He demanded a full investigation into the matter.