Telangana tunnel collapse: Railway deploys metal-cutting experts for rescue
What's the story
The South Central Railway (SCR) has sent two teams of metal-cutting specialists to aid in the rescue operation of eight workers trapped in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana. The incident, which happened due to a partial tunnel collapse, has seen rescue efforts stretch into their seventh day on Friday. The deployment came after Nagarkurnool district Collector sought SCR's help to remove steel and iron debris hindering the rescue mission.
Team deployment
SCR dispatches 1st team of metal-cutting experts
The first team of metal-cutting experts, led by S Murali, Divisional Mechanical Engineer of SCR, has already started work at the site. This team comprises a senior section engineer, 13 welders, and two technicians from Secunderabad, Lallaguda, and Rayanapadu workshops. The second batch is on its way to strengthen the ongoing efforts and comprises another senior section engineer and four technicians.
Twitter Post
Rescue work ongoing
#WATCH | Telangana SLBC tunnel collapse incident | Nagarkurnool: Latest visuals from the tunnel, as rescue teams cut through rods with the help of cutting machines as they continue to carry out the rescue operation. Eight workers are trapped inside the tunnel after its portion… pic.twitter.com/SWqCXeTQN0
— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2025
Rescue
Teams equipped with a range of cutting-edge tools
A variety of cutting-edge equipment has been provided to the special teams, such as a brocho cutting machine, a plasma cutting machine, a portable air compressor, six plasma cutters, ultra-thermic cutting equipment, and different welding and cutting supplies. Helmets and retro-reflective coats were also provided. The SCR team is also being aided by the Army, Navy, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and rat miners who are all working together to clear silt and debris from the tunnels.
Time
Operation would be completed in two days: Minister
Telangana irrigation minister Uttam Kumar Reddy said on Thursday that the operation would be completed in two days. On Wednesday, he stated that the TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) that was struck inside would be chopped into pieces and removed using gas cutters. Following that, the Army, Navy, Rat Miners, and NDRF troops will make another earnest effort to rescue the eight people who are missing while ensuring their own safety.