A devastating landslide on Monday triggered the collapse of an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 individuals and trapping 15 others. The incident occurred at the ADIT-3 tunnel, part of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project located in Samardung, Jholungey.
Rescue operations, which commenced on Tuesday, are facing critical challenges due to the presence of a natural gas leak within the tunnel. This gas, believed to be emanating from underground rock formations disturbed by the landslide, has caused several rescue personnel to experience dizziness and lose consciousness, significantly complicating efforts to reach the trapped workers.
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Gas Leak
As of Tuesday morning, 10 bodies have been recovered. Seven of the deceased have been identified: four from West Bengal's Jalpaiguri, and one each from Assam, Punjab, Dehradun in Uttarakhand, and Namchi. The remaining three unidentified bodies have been sent to District Hospital Singtam and STNM Hospital for further processing.
A coordinated rescue mission is underway, involving teams from the Namchi district administration, Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, Sikkim Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire and Emergency Services, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units from Pakyong and Siliguri.
Chief Minister and Prime Minister Respond
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang is closely monitoring the situation, directing authorities to provide all necessary assistance and expedite recovery efforts while ensuring the highest safety standards for the rescue teams. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with CM Tamang to inquire about the incident and ongoing operations, offering the central government's full support.
Chief Minister Tamang extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. “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 stated.