Gangtok, Jul 21: Eight workers were killed after an under-construction tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project collapsed in Sikkim’s Namchi district following a landslide, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said on Tuesday.
The tunnel at Samardung in Jholungey caved in on Monday after a landslide blocked its entrance, trapping several workers inside and triggering a suspected gas leak that complicated rescue operations.
Chief Minister Tamang said Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to him and enquired about the rescue efforts and the overall situation.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the tragedy, conveyed his condolences to the affected families, and assured every possible assistance from the Government of India,” Tamang said in a post on X.
Officials said around 27 workers were trapped inside the tunnel after the collapse.
Rescue operations have been hampered by the presence of hazardous gas inside the tunnel, with several rescue personnel reportedly experiencing dizziness and losing consciousness while attempting to reach the trapped workers.
Authorities believe the gas is naturally emanating from underground rock formations disturbed by the landslide. Rescue teams continue efforts to reach those trapped as investigations into the incident are underway.
