Sikkim tunnel tragedy: 7 killed, 27 feared trapped

Seven people have died after an incident inside an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim’s Namchi district, where rescue teams are continuing efforts to reach workers believed to be trapped.

The Namchi district administration said the fatalities were reported as search and rescue operations continued at the tunnel in Samardung, Jholungey. The bodies have been shifted to Singtam District Hospital, STNM Hospital in Gangtok and Namchi District Hospital.

Authorities said the rescue operation is being carried out jointly by the district administration, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, the Health Department and other departments. The situation is being monitored by the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA).

Earlier, Namchi District Collector Anupa Tamling said around 27 workers were believed to be trapped inside the tunnel, though the exact number had not been confirmed.

“There is a possibility that around 27 workers are trapped inside the tunnel. However, since complete information about the condition inside the tunnel has not yet come in, the actual number has not been confirmed,” she said.

Tamling said an NDRF team had entered the tunnel and begun rescue operations.

She added that the exact number of workers inside the tunnel and their condition would become clear only after the rescue team returned with updated information.

The incident came to light on Monday afternoon after an alleged gas leak was reported inside the under-construction tunnel at Samardung. Rescue agencies were rushed to the site, but officials have not yet confirmed the precise cause of the incident or the number of people still trapped.