Telangana tunnel accident: PM Modi speaks to CM Revanth Reddy as eight trapped; rescue operations underway

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and discussed the rescue of personnel trapped in the tunnel of Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project in the state. PM Modi assured all help and assistance in the rescue efforts, according to news agency PTI.

Eight persons were trapped inside after a section of a roof in the under-construction stretch of the SLBC project tunnel collapsed, Telangana Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy said on Saturday.

Those trapped inside are two engineers, two machine operators and four workers. The personnel were trapped 14 kms inside the tunnel.

Speaking to reporters at the accident site in Nagarkurnool district, Uttam Kumar Reddy said the state government is taking the help of experts, including those who rescued the trapped workers in an incident in Uttarakhand last year, and sought the help of the Indian Army and NDRF.

Meanwhile, Union Minister and Telangana BJP president G Kishan Reddy said, “A few people are trapped. The state government is trying to rescue all those people. On behalf of the government of India, we are ready to provide all the support needed. NDRF teams are already there….”

Telangana Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy had earlier visited the SLBC tunnel mishap site and conducted a review meeting with the senior officials.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed condolences over the department, HYDRAA, to take up relief measures immediately.