10 killed, 15 trapped after tunnel collapse in Sikkim; PM condoles
Namchi (Sikkim), July 21 (TNT): At least 10 workers were killed and 15 others remained trapped after a landslide triggered the collapse of an under-construction tunnel of the Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project in Sikkim’s Namchi district on Monday, with continuous rain and suspected toxic gas leaks hampering rescue operations.
The incident occurred inside the 7-km-long tunnel near Samardung when a group of officials and workers, including personnel from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and Patel Engineering, were on a routine inspection.
According to officials, 16 people have been rescued, while 15 others remain trapped nearly three kilometres inside the tunnel. Namchi Superintendent of Police Sonam Dolma Bhutia confirmed that rescue efforts were continuing.
In a statement, NHPC said the collapse was triggered by the sudden explosion of suspected methane gas trapped within the rock strata, resulting in dense smoke and the release of toxic gases inside the tunnel.
Rescue operations are being carried out by multiple agencies but have been slowed by incessant rainfall, unstable terrain and hazardous conditions inside the tunnel.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
He said the state government was deploying all available resources to expedite rescue efforts while ensuring the safety of rescue personnel.
The Chief Minister said he was closely monitoring the situation and had directed all concerned departments to provide every possible assistance and adhere to the highest safety standards during the operation.
He also appealed to the public not to spread unverified information and to support the affected families.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke to Chief Minister Tamang and reviewed the situation arising out of the tunnel collapse, assuring all possible support for the ongoing rescue operation.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident.
Modi announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased worker. He also announced Rs 50,000 for each of the injured.
“Anguished by the loss of lives due to the collapse of an under-construction tunnel in Namchi, Sikkim. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that those injured recover at the earliest,” the Prime Minister said in his post.
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