Rajnath expresses grief over Sikkim tunnel tragedy; 20 dead, rescue ops on
New Delhi, July 22 (TNT): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the tunnel tragedy at the under-construction NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project in Sikkim’s Namchi district and said rescue operations were underway.
In a post on X, Singh said he was deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in the incident.
“My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those who are injured. Rescue operations are currently underway to assist all those affected,” he added.
At least 20 workers have been confirmed dead, while five others remain trapped following the accident at the under-construction tunnel in Samardung, Namchi district, on July 20.
The incident occurred when a landslide blocked the tunnel entrance, trapping workers inside.
Of the 43 workers present at the site, 16 managed to escape, while 27 were trapped.
Rescue operations involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services and specialised mining experts have been hampered by suspected methane gas leakage, low oxygen levels, poor visibility and continuous rain inside the tunnel.
As rescue teams recovered more bodies from the debris, the death toll rose to 20. Search operations are continuing to trace the remaining trapped workers.
TNT TS
