Rescue operations at the SLBC tunnel collapse site in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district entered their 17th day as authorities continued their search for seven missing workers. The tragedy, which occurred on February 22 when a section of the tunnel roof collapsed on a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), initially trapped eight laborers. On Sunday, rescue teams managed to recover the body of Gurpreet Singh, a TBM operator from Punjab, after a cadaver sniffer dog squad from Kerala pinpointed its location. Singh’s remains were sent to his hometown after completing legal formalities. Meanwhile, officials are ramping up efforts to locate the remaining missing workers, who include laborers from Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Jharkhand. The challenging terrain, combined with deep layers of debris and slush, continues to slow down the process, but authorities remain hopeful of more recoveries soon.
Specialized teams, including miners from Singareni Collieries, rat miners from Uttarakhand, and personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are working tirelessly with mini-excavators to clear the debris. The TBM, which was over 132 meters long, remains partially buried under silt and rocks, complicating the excavation. The last 70 meters of the 14-km tunnel remain filled with thick sludge, making it extremely risky for rescue workers. Despite these challenges, advanced technologies, including ground probing radar (GPR) scans and robotic systems equipped with infrared sensors and mechanical arms, have been deployed to aid in locating the missing individuals. Additionally, dewatering and desilting efforts are underway to prevent further collapses and facilitate safer working conditions for the rescue teams.
The Telangana government has assured all possible support for the victims’ families, with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy personally monitoring the situation. The state has announced a compensation of ₹25 lakh for the family of Gurpreet Singh, with further assistance expected for the families of those still trapped. Officials have also acknowledged concerns regarding the structural integrity of the tunnel, with some reports citing prior warnings about faulty zones in the construction. Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasized the importance of deploying cutting-edge rescue equipment, including cadaver dogs capable of detecting bodies buried up to 15 feet deep. As the rescue operation progresses, authorities remain committed to ensuring justice for the workers and identifying any lapses that may have contributed to the disaster.