Hyderabad: Rescue teams are in a race against time to save eight workers trapped for over 48 hours after a tunnel collapsed in Telangana. With water and debris obstructing progress, a state minister has warned that survival chances are dwindling.

The collapse occurred in a 44-km-long tunnel behind the Srisailam dam in Nagarkurnool on Saturday morning while workers were repairing a leak. While most escaped, eight remain trapped and out of contact.

Among them are four laborers and four employees of the construction company, said State Minister Krishna Rao, who is overseeing the rescue mission.

A joint operation involving the Army, National Disaster Response Force, and state agencies is underway, with Navy commandos joining the effort. Additionally, six experts from the 2023 Silkyara tunnel rescue in Uttarakhand have been brought in.

The collapse happened about 13 km from the tunnel’s entrance, and rescuers are now just 100 meters from the site. However, unstable debris, water accumulation, and shifting boulders are posing severe challenges.

“Muck has piled up so high that movement inside is nearly impossible. Rescuers are relying on rubber tubes and wooden planks. The situation is grim, but we remain hopeful,” said Minister Rao.

Urgent calls for additional equipment have been made, and efforts are focused on draining water and reinforcing unstable sections.

The situation is being closely monitored at both state and central levels. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has spoken to Telangana CM Revanth Reddy regarding the operation, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured full support.

The Chief Minister’s Office stated that every possible effort is being made, with alternative routes being explored to reach the trapped workers. Oxygen is being supplied into the tunnel, and teams are working relentlessly to clear the debris and reach them safely.