Over 27 workers trapped in Sikkim tunnel after methane blast triggers landslide

Officials said methane gas had reportedly accumulated around 1.5 kilometres inside the tunnel. An attempt to release the trapped gas is believed to have triggered an explosion, causing a landslide that sealed part of the tunnel and trapped the workers.

In Short

• Toxic gas, low oxygen, poor visibility hampering rescue efforts
• Specialised teams from West Bengal join rescue efforts.
• Rescue operations being monitored closely by officials

Over 27 workers remain trapped inside an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district after a landslide blocked its entrance following a suspected methane gas explosion, officials said on Monday.

Rescue operations involving multiple agencies continued late into the evening but were being hampered by hazardous gas, poor visibility and low oxygen levels inside the tunnel.

The incident took place at the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project's ADIT tunnel, which is being constructed by Patel Engineering. Officials said methane gas had reportedly accumulated around 1.5 kilometres inside the tunnel.

An attempt to release the trapped gas is believed to have triggered an explosion, causing a landslide that blocked a section of the tunnel and trapped the workers.

Some workers managed to escape immediately after the incident, while several others remain stranded deep inside.

RESCUE TEAMS STRUGGLE DUE TO GAS LEAK

The district administration received information about the incident around 3.40 pm, following which teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), district police and Fire and Emergency Services rushed to the site.

An initial rescue attempt by the Rangpo Fire and Emergency Services had to be abandoned after rescuers experienced breathing difficulties due to low oxygen levels and the presence of gas inside the tunnel. Several personnel reportedly fell ill during the operation.

A subsequent attempt by NDRF teams also remained unsuccessful due to the hazardous conditions.

To strengthen the rescue effort, a specialised team equipped with gas-protective equipment has arrived from neighbouring West Bengal.

RESCUE OPERATION CHALLENGING

Sikkim District Collector Anupa Tamling said more than 27 workers are trapped inside the tunnel and added that the rescue operation was becoming increasingly difficult due to methane exposure, the narrow passage and poor visibility.

Officials suspect that the gas may have naturally accumulated due to underground rock formations disturbed during the construction activity, though the exact cause is yet to be confirmed.

Authorities have stationed ambulances near the project site, while rescue teams wearing gas masks and protective gear continue efforts to reach the trapped workers. Senior district officials are monitoring the operation on the ground.

- Ends