After the landslide on the tunnel in Sikkim, rescue operations are facing difficulties due to the mouth being closed.
A landslide struck an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim on Monday, blocking the entrance and trapping at least 27 workers inside. The incident occurred at the Samardung tunnel project in Mamring, Namchi district, where construction work was underway.
District Collector Anupa Tamling said the exact number of workers trapped had yet to be confirmed and could be higher or lower than 27. Rescue efforts have been severely hampered by the presence of suspected gas inside the tunnel.
Several rescuers reported dizziness while attempting to enter the tunnel, and some fainted, further complicating the rescue operation.
4 pictures related to the landslide
Officials said that the accident occurred around 3:40 PM on Monday.
After the landslide, debris accumulated at the mouth of the tunnel.
Methane gas is suspected to have leaked in the tunnel. Workers who went for rescue fainted.
Rescue operations are facing difficulties due to debris filling the tunnel.
Special rescue team brought in from West Bengal
District Collector Anupa Tamling said the administration was informed of the incident at around 3.40 pm, after which teams from the NDRF, SDRF, district police and fire service were rushed to the site.
Officials fear that 27 workers are trapped inside the tunnel, including 21 employed by Patel Engineering and six by NHPC. A specialised rescue team equipped with gas-proof gear has also been brought in from West Bengal to assist with the operation.
Rescue efforts have been complicated by the presence of suspected methane gas, the confined space inside the tunnel and poor lighting. Officials said their immediate priority is to evacuate all the trapped workers safely.
Ambulances have been kept on standby, while rescue personnel wearing gas masks are attempting to reach those trapped inside. The tunnel was being constructed by Patel Engineering for the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Power Project.
