Several workers were trapped inside a tunnel at the under-construction Teesta Stage-6 hydroelectric project in the Samardung area of Namchi district, Sikkim, following a landslide caused by continuous heavy rainfall. So far, the bodies of eight people have been recovered in this tragic incident.
सिक्किम के नामची जिले में सुरंग ढहने से आठ मजदूरों की मौत, कई दबे
An accident occurred in a tunnel under construction in the Namchi district of Sikkim. Approximately 27 workers were trapped inside the tunnel following a landslide in the Samardung area. So far, the deaths of 10 workers have been confirmed. Reports indicate that an explosion took place while attempts were being made to vent out accumulated methane gas.
Relief and rescue operations are ongoing to evacuate workers trapped in the under-construction tunnel of NHPC’s Teesta Stage-6 hydroelectric project in Sikkim’s Namchi district. The incident occurred in the Samardung-Jholunge area.
NDRF Deputy Commander Vivek Kumar stated that the bodies of 10 individuals have been recovered so far. He added that there is a possibility of others still being trapped inside, so the relief and rescue operations are continuing.
Multiple agencies are working together to safely rescue the remaining individuals trapped in the tunnel. The Namchi district administration is collaborating with NHPC, SDRF, NDRF, Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, the Health Department, and other relevant departments in this operation. The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) is also closely monitoring the entire operation. The administration states that rescue work is proceeding rapidly and that safely evacuating the trapped individuals is the top priority.
Methane gas had accumulated inside the tunnel
Citing officials, India Today reported that methane gas had accumulated inside the tunnel at a distance of approximately 1.5 kilometers from the entrance. It is believed that the gas was naturally seeping from the underground rock formations or strata. An explosion occurred during efforts to vent the gas, triggering a landslide that blocked a section of the tunnel with debris. Following the incident, some workers managed to escape, but several others remained trapped inside.
The district administration received information about the incident around 3:40 PM on Monday (July 20). Relief and rescue teams were dispatched to the site immediately upon receiving the information.
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