Eight workers still remain trapped under the debris of roof of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) at Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana.
About 350 – strong personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, Singareni Collieries, Police and Fire services could reach up to 13.5 km into the tunnel till Sunday evening.
According to Nagarkurnool District Collector Santosh, they are unable to reach the spot yet as the tunnel is blocked by water and mud.
Efforts are in to pump out water and remove mud through bulldozers to reach the spot where workers are trapped, according to him.
Telangana Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy has been camping there since yesterday.
The roof collapsed at 14 km point in the 43.93 km long canal on Saturday morning due to water leakage, trapping the workers inside.
Out of 50 workers present in the tunnel at the time of the mishap, 42 including 13 who sustained injuries, rushed out while eight were trapped.