Sikkim Tunnel Collapse: Death Toll Rises to 10 as Rescue Teams Search for Trapped Workers

The death toll in the Sikkim tunnel collapse rose to 10 on Tuesday after an under-construction tunnel linked to the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project gave way following a landslide in Namchi district. Authorities have warned that the toll could increase as rescue teams continue searching the site.

The collapse occurred on Monday at the ADIT-3 tunnel near Samardung in Jholungey, where a sudden landslide brought down part of the structure and blocked the tunnel. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said 25 people, including workers and project officials, were inside when the incident occurred.

According to Namchi police, 10 bodies had been retrieved by 9.30 am on Tuesday. Seven victims have been identified, while the identities of three others are yet to be established. The unidentified bodies were taken to hospitals in Singtam and Gangtok for further formalities. Among those identified, four victims were from Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. The remaining victims were from Assam, Punjab, Dehradun in Uttarakhand and Namchi in Sikkim, police said.

The rescue mission has faced major difficulties because of gas inside the tunnel. Officials said some rescuers suffered dizziness and a few reportedly became unconscious while trying to enter the collapsed section. The gas is suspected to be naturally occurring and may have been released from underground rock formations or strata disturbed by the landslide.

Multiple agencies have been mobilised for the operation, including the Namchi district administration, Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, Sikkim Police, SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services and NDRF teams from Pakyong and Siliguri. Specialised agencies are also assisting in the search and recovery efforts. Tamang said he was personally monitoring the rescue operation and had instructed officials to speed up the search while ensuring strict safety measures for personnel working at the site. He also directed authorities to extend all possible support to the families of the deceased.