8 killed, 18 trapped in Sikkim tunnel landslide and gas leak

Eight bodies have been recovered following a landslide and gas leak at a tunnel construction site in India's Sikkim state. While 12 workers were rescued alive, over 18 labourers are feared trapped inside the tunnel. India's National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is conducting search and rescue operations.

The incident occurred at 3:09pm on Monday in the Samardong tunnel in South Sikkim, part of the Teesta Stage-6 hydroelectric project under construction.

Sikkim's Chief Minister's office said they believe more than 18 people may still be trapped inside the tunnel, though the exact number has not yet been confirmed.

Initial reports indicate that several workers became trapped after the landslide blocked the passage inside the tunnel. Rescue efforts have been further complicated by a suspected methane gas leak. High gas levels have prevented rescuers from reaching the section where the workers are trapped.

According to NDTV, NDRF, along with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sikkim Police and Fire Service personnel have been deployed at the site. Traffic movement in the area has been restricted to facilitate the rescue operation.

Namchi District Collector Anupa Tamling said rescue teams and SDRF were dispatched from Siliguri and Pakyong immediately after the incident. "The incident occurred around 3:09pm. Fire service and police personnel entered the tunnel twice without protective gear but had to return due to the hazardous situation," she said.

Tamling said an initial NDRF team that entered the tunnel brought out the fire service personnel. A second NDRF team subsequently entered and resumed rescue operations.

Officials have said methane gas levels inside the tunnel are so high that rescuers cannot reach the area where the trapped workers are believed to be. The exact cause of the landslide is still unknown.

The district collector said workers who managed to escape reported hearing a loud explosion-like sound from inside the tunnel before fleeing. Some workers remain trapped.

The administration's immediate priority is to safely bring out everyone trapped inside the tunnel, Tamling said.

Sources said several members of the initial rescue team suffered dizziness and breathing difficulties after exposure to methane gas. They were safely evacuated and treated at a nearby hospital.