Wayanad tunnel accident a serious lapse, says Suresh Gopi

Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said he had brought the Wayanad tunnel accident to the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday (July 7, 2026), Mr. Gopi said the authorities had failed to act on directions to remove soil from the construction site. “If that is true, it is a serious lapse that warrants government action,” he said.

The District Collector had ordered the soil to be removed without delay, but the directive was not implemented, he said. “The negligence has claimed three lives. Nine people are in hospital, while more than five remain missing.”

Mr. Gopi said the State government was equipped to handle the situation and there was no immediate need for Central forces. The tragedy, he added, should serve as a lesson to prevent similar incidents.

He said he was not seeking to blame anyone, but any negligence should be investigated and acted upon without delay. He also called for strict adherence to safety measures by both workers and authorities as the tunnel construction continues.