Seven Dead, 27 Workers Trapped After Landslide Hits Under-Construction Tunnel in Sikkim
Methane gas inside the tunnel is hampering rescue efforts as NDRF, SDRF, NHPC and other agencies continue round-the-clock operations to rescue trapped workers.
A major landslide in Sikkim’s Namchi district has left 27 workers trapped inside an under-construction tunnel, while seven people have been confirmed dead, according to district administration officials.
Rescue operations are underway to evacuate the trapped workers. However, the mission has become extremely challenging due to the suspected presence of methane gas inside the tunnel, raising serious safety concerns for rescue teams.
Officials said the possible accumulation of methane gas has slowed rescue efforts, and several rescuers have reportedly experienced health issues while carrying out operations in the hazardous environment.
The Namchi district administration, in coordination with the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, the Health Department, and other concerned agencies, is continuing round-the-clock rescue operations.
The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) is closely monitoring the situation as emergency teams work to locate and safely evacuate those trapped inside the tunnel.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the landslide or provided an estimated timeline for the completion of the rescue operation.
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