Rescue operations are underway on Tuesday (July 21) after about 25 people were trapped inside an under-construction tunnel after a landslide blocked its entrance and triggered a suspected gas leak, in Namchi district, Sikkim.
10 dead in Sikkim tunnel collapse, 27 trapped as rescue underway
Tragedy occurs following a landslide and a suspected gas leak in the under-construction tunnel
The death toll in the tunnel collapse incident in Sikkim's Namchi district rose to 10 on Tuesday (July 21).
The incident took place on Monday afternoon (July 20) after an alleged gas leak inside the under-construction tunnel at the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project in Samardung, Jholungey.
Around 27 workers were trapped inside the tunnel after a landslide blocked its entrance and triggered the suspected gas leak on Monday afternoon, officials told PTI.
Rescue efforts are underway to extricate the trapped workers, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force, Sikkim Police, fire departments, and local volunteers working on a war footing.
Authorities, however, have not yet confirmed the precise cause of the incident.
PM speaks to Sikkim CM
Announcing the latest toll, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with him and enquired about the rescue operations.
"Following the tragic incident at the under-construction tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project at Samardung, Jholungey, in Namchi District, Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with me to enquire about the situation and the ongoing rescue operations," Tamang said on X.
He also said, "His words of concern and compassion for the affected workers and their families, along with his assurance of every possible assistance from the Government of India, have provided immense strength and reassurance to the people of Sikkim during this difficult hour."
Tunnel tragedy unfolds
According to the district administration, the bodies of the deceased have been shifted to Singtam District Hospital, STNM Hospital in Gangtok, and Namchi District Hospital.
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Search-and-rescue efforts are ongoing as emergency teams work to reach workers trapped inside the collapsed tunnel.
Rescue operation continues
The Namchi District Administration is leading the rescue mission in coordination with NHPC authorities, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, the Health Department, and other concerned agencies. The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) is closely monitoring the evolving situation.
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Earlier, Namchi District Collector Anupa Tamling said the exact number of people trapped inside the tunnel had not yet been established.
"There is a possibility that around 27 workers are trapped inside the tunnel. However, since complete information about the condition inside the tunnel has not yet come in, the actual number has not been confirmed."
Uncertainty over numbers
Tamling said an NDRF team had entered the tunnel to begin search and rescue operations. She added that a clearer picture of the number of workers inside and their condition would emerge only after the team returns from the site.
Rescue operations are ongoing, and further details are awaited as authorities continue their response at the site.