SLBC Tunnel Rescue: Trapped Workers’ Location Identified

Authorities involved in the ongoing rescue operations at the SLBC tunnel project have successfully identified the location of workers and engineers trapped inside after the tunnel’s roof collapsed, following an intense search that lasted more than 48 hours.

The breakthrough was made when the mobile phone of one of the trapped engineers briefly rang in response to a call from rescue teams.

Although the phone soon fell silent, the signal provided a crucial lead in pinpointing their approximate location within the debris-filled tunnel.

Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Minister for Roads and Buildings, shared the update, stating that there was optimism that those trapped might still be alive. However, reaching them remained a challenge, as large amounts of debris continued to obstruct the rescue teams’ path.

Efforts to advance toward the detected signal were hampered by the collapse’s aftermath. Sniffer dogs were deployed, but their progress was stalled due to severe waterlogging that extended across a three-kilometer stretch within the tunnel. In an attempt to navigate through confined spaces, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel used flexible probe cameras. However, their range was insufficient to reach the trapped workers.

Rescue operations faced additional difficulties due to a damaged tunnel boring machine, which had broken into multiple pieces, with one fragment found nearly a kilometer away. The wreckage significantly delayed efforts to clear a path to the trapped workers. Crews are working to dismantle and remove the damaged equipment to progress further.

Communication efforts were also attempted using walkie-talkies, but technical difficulties limited their effectiveness. Authorities are working to resolve these issues to improve coordination between rescue teams operating deep within the tunnel.

Additional expert teams from Chennai and Delhi’s Rathole Mining team arrived on Monday to support the ongoing mission. The primary concern across all deployed teams remains the massive debris blocking access to the workers.

To address the water accumulation hindering progress, 100-horsepower pumps have been installed to drain the tunnel. Once the water is removed, further excavation and clearing of the debris will be undertaken to create a viable passage.

NDRF teams continue to work inside the tunnel, focusing on removing obstructions while ensuring safety protocols are followed.

Authorities are exploring the possibility of seeking technical assistance from experts in the United States if required. Minister Venkat Reddy has instructed officials to exhaust all available resources in the rescue effort, emphasizing that bringing the eight trapped individuals to safety remains the highest priority.

The latest developments were discussed in a high-level review meeting held at the JAYPEE company’s camp office near the tunnel site.

Key attendees included engineers from Robbins Company and L&T, tunnel expert Chris Cooper, Special Chief Secretary (Disaster Management) Arvind Kumar, and Hyderabad Commissioner AV Ranganath. Senior officials from the Indian Army, NDRF, JAYPEE, and the Irrigation Department were also present.