Emergency response teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have launched rescue efforts after a tunnel roof collapsed in Telangana's Nagarkurnool district on Saturday, trapping eight workers inside.

The Indian Army has also deployed its Engineer Task Force (ETF) to assist with the rescue mission. Officials confirmed that the ETF, equipped with advanced technology, is carrying out Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations at the accident site.

Rescuers are facing significant challenges due to a 200-meter stretch filled with debris. Until the rubble is cleared, the exact location of the trapped workers remains unknown, making their rescue more difficult.

"Water has accumulated between the 11-13 km stretch of the tunnel, and until it is drained, clearing the debris cannot begin," explained NDRF Deputy Commander Sukhendu.

The collapse occurred when a concrete segment, used to seal seepage, slipped at the 14-km inlet of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, which connects Srisailam to Devarakonda.

Telangana Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, who arrived at the accident site, stated that experts, including those involved in similar rescues in Uttarakhand last year, have been brought in to aid operations.

Among the trapped individuals are two engineers from an infrastructure company, two operators from a US-based firm, and four laborers from Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Saturday, seeking details about the incident and the ongoing rescue efforts. He assured the state of the Centre’s full support in bringing the trapped workers to safety.

The collapse occurred after tunnel construction recently resumed, with approximately 50 workers inside at the time. The trapped workers are currently stranded 14 kilometers deep within the tunnel.

Rescue teams are using drones to assess conditions inside the tunnel, as large amounts of muck and debris pose a risk to operations.

Additionally, a 19-member team from the state-owned Singareni Collieries Company Ltd has been dispatched to assist in the rescue efforts, according to Chairman and Managing Director N Balram.

State officials have been directed to maintain real-time communication with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, providing continuous updates on the progress of rescue operations.

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, contacted the Telangana Chief Minister on Sunday morning to discuss the ongoing efforts at the SLBC tunnel. He praised the government's swift response and urged authorities to exhaust all possible measures to ensure the safe rescue of the trapped workers.

CM Revanth Reddy outlined the immediate actions taken by the state, including deploying rescue teams, arranging medical assistance for the injured, and reaching out to the families of those trapped.