Gangtok, July 21: A devastating landslide in an under-construction tunnel of the NHPC’s Teesta Stage-6 project in Sikkim’s Namchi district has confirmed the deaths of seven individuals. Concerns remain for several workers who are still believed to be trapped inside the tunnel. The bodies of the deceased have been sent to nearby hospitals for post-mortem examinations. Local administration, along with national and state-level rescue agencies and project experts, are actively engaged in the relief and rescue operations.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at approximately 3:09 PM. The tunnel is being constructed by Patel Engineering as part of the Teesta Stage-6 hydroelectric project.
Initial reports indicate that a sudden landslide occurred within the tunnel, causing a section to become filled with debris, trapping many workers inside. At the time of the incident, construction activities were ongoing within the tunnel.
The situation escalated when methane gas began to leak inside the tunnel, making it extremely hazardous for rescue teams to enter. Personnel involved in the rescue efforts are proceeding cautiously, equipped with special safety gear and gas monitoring systems. Authorities initially estimated that around 27 individuals might be trapped inside the tunnel. So far, seven bodies have been recovered, while the search for other workers continues.
The district administration has yet to determine the exact cause of the accident. According to the district collector, some workers who managed to escape reported hearing a loud explosion-like sound just before the landslide occurred, leading to chaos inside the tunnel. Those who successfully fled did so immediately, but many others remained trapped.
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