8 dead, around 20 trapped as rescue continues

At least 10 people were killed and 15 others remain trapped after a landslide triggered a tunnel collapse in Sikkim’s Namchi district on Monday. While continuous rainfall is destabilising the terrain and hampering progress, suspected toxic gas leaks inside the shaft have complicated the search operation, sources said. The incident occurred inside a 7-km under-construction tunnel of the Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project near Samardung. At the time, between 25 and 38 people, including high-level personnel from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and Patel Engineering, the project developer, who were on a routine inspection, were at the site. Emergency teams have rescued 16 people, while 15 others remain trapped, roughly 3 km underground. Speaking to The Indian Express over the phone, Sonam Dolma Bhutia, Superintendent of Police, Namchi district, confirmed that 15 people are still trapped. “The incident was caused by the sudden explosion of trapped/embedded suspected methane gas within the rocks, resulting in dense smoke and toxic gases,” the NHPC said in a statement. Also Read | Amid Western Ghats landslides, revisiting need for developing early warning systems “According to the latest information received from the site, 25 workers were trapped inside the tunnel, out of which 10 have been reported deceased so far. A detailed investigation will be conducted to ascertain the cause of the incident,” the statement added. Rescue operations have intensified, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force, Sikkim Police, fire departments, and local volunteers working together. Several personnel have sustained injuries in the hazardous conditions. NHPC added that its project team immediately activated its emergency response protocols and that its site engineering teams were working around the clock alongside the authorities to stabilise the tunnel environment and ensure safe rescue efforts. “We remain fully committed to supporting the rescue agencies and providing complete assistance to the affected families. In this hour of profound grief, the prayers of the entire NHPC family are with the affected families,” the statement added. Expedite rescue efforts: CM Sikkim Chief Minister P S Tamang expressed grief over the deaths and confirmed that authorities are deploying every resource available. He also urged the public to stay calm, avoid circulating unverified rumours, and stand united in support of the affected families. “I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident at the under-construction tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project at Samardung, Jholungey, in Namchi district. My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the workers who have lost their lives. In this hour of grief, the thoughts and prayers of the entire state are with the bereaved families, and we stand firmly by them during this difficult time,” he said. “I am closely monitoring the ongoing rescue operations. I appreciate the dedication and courage of all personnel involved in this challenging rescue mission. I have directed all concerned authorities to extend every possible assistance, expedite the rescue efforts, and ensure that the highest standards of safety are strictly followed throughout the operation. We remain committed to doing everything possible to bring the rescue operation to a safe and successful conclusion,” Tamang said in a social media post. PM Modi, Amit Shah call CM Tamang Tamang said he also briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the rescue efforts. “His (PM Modi’s) 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,” the chief minister said, adding that Shah also assured assistance from the Centre. Sikkim MP Indra Hang Subba also voiced anguish over the fatalities, confirming that district officials and emergency response units are coordinating closely. “Deeply anguished by the tragic accident inside a tunnel under construction at Samardung in Namchi district. It is deeply saddening that eight people have been reported dead, while around 20 are still feared to be trapped. The rescue operation is underway with the district administration coordinating effectively. My heartfelt prayers for those who are still trapped and for the bereaved families. The cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained,” he said.