A landslide at the under-construction Samardung tunnel in South Sikkim has triggered a gas leak, leaving between 12 and 20 workers feared trapped inside. The incident occurred on Monday at the tunnel being constructed by Patel Engineering for the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project.
According to initial reports, a section of the tunnel collapsed or was blocked after the landslide, preventing the workers from exiting. Rescue operations are underway, with personnel from the Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and other emergency agencies deployed at the site.
Rescue efforts are being hampered by the gas leak, with members of a rescue team from West Bengal experiencing dizziness and reportedly losing consciousness due to suspected gas exposure while attempting to reach the trapped workers. They were shifted to the nearest hospital for treatment.
The exact number of workers trapped remains unclear, with officials yet to issue a formal confirmation regarding the number of workers inside the tunnel or their condition. Authorities are regulating traffic in the area to facilitate rescue efforts.
The Samardung tunnel is part of the under-construction Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project near Rangpo. Rescue teams continue to work to reach the trapped workers, while authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
