10 dead, several feared trapped as under-construction tunnel collapses in Sikkim
Ten people were reportedly killed in Sikkim's Namchi district when an under-construction tunnel collapsed at noon on Monday, July 20. Police told the media that an estimated 27 workers were at the site when the tunnel collapsed. Several people are feared trapped and rescue operations are underway.
Initial reports suggest that the under-construction tunnel collapsed due to a landslide that was triggered by a methane gas explosion. However, this has not been confirmed by officials.
The incident happened at Samardung, Jholungey in Namchi district, where the tunnel was being constructed as part of the NHPC's Teesta State VI Hydroelectric project.
The bodies of the deceased have been shifted to Singtam District Hospital, STNM Hospital Gangtok and Namchi District Hospital.
The District Collector Anupa Tamling said that about 27 workers are suspected to be trapped inside the tunnel, reports ANI. The actual numbers have not been confirmed as officials are still assessing the conditions of collapse.
An NDRF team has been deployed and rescue operations are still underway in coordination with the Namchi district administration, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency services , the health department, the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) and other agencies.
