Ten bodies have been recovered from a tunnel construction site in South Sikkim after a landslide blocked the passage and a suspected methane gas leak complicated rescue efforts, officials said. Twelve people have been rescued so far, while more than 18 others are feared trapped inside the tunnel.
The incident occurred at around 3:09 pm on Monday at the Samardung tunnel in South Sikkim. The tunnel is part of the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project, with Patel Engineering involved in the construction works.
Rescue and search operations are still ongoing under difficult conditions. Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sikkim Police and fire and emergency services are in place at the site.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, more than 18 people are still believed to be in the tunnel, although officials have warned that the exact number has not yet been confirmed.
A landslide in the tunnel blocked the passage and many workers were trapped. The problem was further complicated by methane gas that is known to be present in the area and it is dangerous for rescue workers to enter the area, said the source.
Namchi district collector Anupa Tamling said rescue teams from Siliguri and Pakyong, along with the SDRF, were alerted soon after authorities received information about the incident.
She said fire and emergency services personnel and police officials made two attempts to enter the tunnel without protective equipment but were forced to withdraw due to hazardous conditions. The first NDRF team that entered the tunnel later evacuated the personnel who had tried the rescue on the first day.
A second NDRF team then entered the tunnel and continued the search and rescue operation.
Methane levels are still high inside the tunnel and rescuers are still not able to reach the area where the trapped workers are located, officials said. The cause of the landslide has yet to be determined.
Tamling said workers who managed to escape said they heard a blast-like sound from inside the tunnel before fleeing the area. She said several workers were still believed to be trapped, but stressed that the number was provisional.
The administration’s immediate priority is to safely evacuate all those who might still be inside the tunnel, officials said.
The hazardous conditions also affected members of the first rescue team. Some rescuers experienced dizziness and breathing difficulties after possibly being exposed to methane while trying to enter the tunnel, and were brought out and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Traffic movement in the area has also been regulated for the rescue operation and for emergency teams and equipment to move.
Authorities and local officials are still monitoring gas levels and structural conditions in the tunnel and rescue teams have been working to get to the damaged section. Rescuers are still working on the site, and officials say safety of rescue workers and trapped personnel remains the top priority.
