Seven killed as Kaleshwaram tunnel roof collapses

Sircilla, Telangana Sept 21: Seven workers died in a tragic accident as the roof of the underground tunnel of Kaleshwaram project caved collapsed.The incident took place near Thippapur of Illanthakunta mandal on Wednesday.

Sources say that eight persons were at work when a part of the tunnel roof collapsed in the impact an air blast and landed on a boomer machine. Six of the workers died on the spot while one succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

The deceased were identified as Sandeep Kumar from Mulugu, Jithendar (Bihar), Hari (Orissa), Harish Chander, Hakheem, and Dathma, all from Chhattisgarh. Another person Purna Singh breathed his last while undergoing treatment in Karimnagar district headquarters government hospital in the evening.

Currently, as part of the package X of the Kaleshwaram project, a tunnel is being constructed near Thippapur, about 25 kilometers away from the district headquarters. It was intended to take water to Anathagiri reservoir from Mid Manair project.

Meanwhile, the state government has ordered an inquiry into the incident and Irrigation Minister Harish Rao has expressed his grief and announced an exgratia of RS 20 lakh for the families of the deceased.He has ordered the officials to make sure that adequate safety precautions be taken so that such incidents don't repeat again.