SLBC Tunnel Accident: Machine Parts Obstruct Retrieval of Identified Bodies

Rescue operations are ongoing at the SLBC (Srisailam Left Bank Canal) tunnel site in Nagarkurnool district, where efforts to retrieve the bodies of trapped workers have faced significant challenges. Cadaver dogs brought from Kerala have identified the locations of the deceased, but extracting the bodies has proven difficult due to obstructions caused by tunnel boring machine (TBM) components.

The recovered bodies are in a highly decomposed state, further complicating the retrieval process. So far, the body of machine operator Gurpreet Singh has been successfully removed. Additionally, two more bodies were identified yesterday. In response to the challenges, rescue teams are using gas cutters to dismantle the obstructing machine parts to facilitate extraction.

Today marks the 18th day of the rescue operation. To enhance safety and efficiency, robotic equipment has also been deployed. As the rescue team progresses deeper into the tunnel, the risks to personnel have increased, necessitating the use of robots to mitigate dangers.