7 dead, several trapped after landslide, gas leak inside Sikkim tunnel

Gangtok: Seven people have died after a landslide inside an under-construction tunnel at Samardung in South Sikkim reportedly triggered a gas leak. Rescue teams continue efforts to reach several workers feared trapped inside.

The incident occurred at around 3.09 pm on Monday at a tunnel site in Samardung, Jholungey, under Namchi district. The tunnel is part of the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project.

According to preliminary information, the landslide blocked a section of the tunnel and trapped workers inside. Rescue efforts were further complicated by a suspected methane gas leak, with officials saying hazardous conditions prevented rescuers from immediately reaching the affected area.

The district administration has confirmed seven fatalities. The bodies have been taken to Singtam District Hospital, STNM Hospital in Gangtok and Namchi District Hospital, according to the Information and Public Relations department.

Namchi District Collector Anupa Tamling said around 27 workers may be trapped inside the tunnel, although the exact number has not yet been confirmed. According to Tamling, workers who managed to escape told authorities that they heard a loud, blast-like sound from inside the tunnel before running out. 

Rescue operations were launched soon after the administration received information about the incident. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services and other departments have been deployed at the site.

Tamling said fire and emergency personnel and police officials initially attempted to enter the tunnel without protective equipment but were forced to turn back because of the hazardous conditions. An NDRF team subsequently entered the tunnel and assisted in evacuating personnel involved in the initial rescue attempt. A second NDRF team later entered the tunnel as search and rescue operations continued.

Officials said high methane levels inside the tunnel have made it difficult for rescue teams to reach the section where the trapped workers are believed to be. Members of an initial rescue team reportedly experienced dizziness and breathing difficulties after exposure to the gas and were safely brought out and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Traffic movement in the area has also been regulated to facilitate the operation.

Authorities are continuing efforts to determine the exact number of workers trapped inside and safely evacuate them. The circumstances that led to the landslide and subsequent gas leak are also yet to be fully established.

(With ANI inputs)