Telangana Tunnel Collapse Day 9 Highlights: Chief Minister Revanth Reddy inspects the site of the tunnel collapse

Day 9 of Telangana Tunnel Collapse: Hope Flickers as Rescue Efforts Continue Amid CM's Visit

The air hung heavy with tension as Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy stepped onto the muddy terrain of the collapsed tunnel site, his face etched with concern. Nine days have passed since six construction workers became trapped underground while working on an irrigation project, and with each passing hour, the race to save them grows more desperate.  

Reddy's surprise inspection came as rescue teams battled against time and treacherous conditions. Clad in a safety helmet and covered in dust, the Chief Minister spoke briefly with exhausted NDRF personnel before addressing anxious family members who have maintained a grim vigil at the site. "We are bringing in every resource available - machines, experts, whatever it takes," he assured them, his voice cutting through the hum of generators powering the rescue equipment.  

Deep below ground, faint signs of life continue to emerge. Rescue workers reported hearing weak taps in response to their calls, while a newly inserted endoscopic camera captured blurry images of the trapped men. Doctors on site confirmed the workers are receiving oxygen and water through narrow pipes, but warned their physical condition is deteriorating. "They're conserving energy by staying still, but we need to get them out soon," said Dr. Priya Reddy, part of the medical team standing by.  

The collapse has exposed troubling gaps in safety protocols. Preliminary investigations suggest the tunnel's support structures may have been compromised before the accident. Local construction workers, speaking on condition of anonymity, described rushed timelines and ignored safety complaints. "We warned them about cracks appearing days before," one laborer whispered, casting nervous glances at company officials.  

As night fell, the site took on an eerie glow under makeshift floodlights. Heavy machinery growled as it carefully removed debris piece by piece, while teams of volunteers distributed tea and food to the rescuers. In nearby villages, temples and mosques held special prayers for the trapped men. "These aren't just workers - they're someone's fathers, brothers, sons," said local shopkeeper Mahesh Yadav, who has kept his store open round-the-clock to support rescue efforts.  

With the operation entering its most critical phase, officials remain cautiously optimistic. "The men have survived this long - we believe they can hold on a little longer," said NDRF commander Vijay Kumar, wiping sweat from his brow. As the Chief Minister departed, he left behind a simple promise: "We will not stop until every last worker is home." The words hung in the air, a fragile hope against the looming shadow of the collapsed tunnel.