10 workers killed as under-construction tunnel collapses in Sikkim
A gas leak was also suspected at the site, hindering the rescue operations.
At least ten persons were killed and several more were trapped after an under-construction tunnel collapsed in Namchi district of Sikkim on Monday, The Hindu reported.
The under-construction tunnel was part of the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation in the Samardung area.
Around 27 workers were trapped inside after the landslide blocked the entrance of the tunnel, PTI quoted unidentified officials as saying.
A gas leak was also suspected at the site as several rescue workers experienced dizziness and lost consciousness while trying to reach the trapped persons, according to the news agency.
The gas is believed to be leaking from underground strata or rock formations disturbed by the landslide, officials were quoted as saying.
With several workers still being trapped in the tunnel, rescue work is ongoing, ANI quoted Namchi Information and Public Relations Department as saying.
VIDEO | Several workers are feared trapped inside an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district after a landslide blocked its entrance and triggered a suspected gas leak on Monday afternoon. Visuals from the incident site as rescue operations continue.#Sikkim… pic.twitter.com/JfzXgGMWHO
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 21, 2026
The bodies of the eight workers who died have been shifted to Singtam District Hospital, Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital and Namchi District Hospital.
The rescue operation is being carried out by teams of the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Namchi Police and the Fire and Emergency Services.
Edited by Sneha.
