Gangtok: A massive landslide that struck the entrance of an under construction tunnel in Sikkim has claimed the lives of at least eight workers, while rescue teams continue their difficult search for those still believed to be trapped inside.
The accident has become one of the deadliest industrial disasters in the Himalayan state in recent years and has raised fresh concerns about worker safety at large infrastructure projects in landslide prone mountain regions.
The incident took place at the Samardung tunnel in Namchi district, which is being built as part of the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project. According to officials, the landslide occurred on Monday afternoon after a large section of the hillside collapsed near the tunnel entrance. Huge quantities of rocks, mud and debris buried the opening of the tunnel, trapping several workers who were carrying out construction work inside.
Rescue teams were rushed to the site soon after the accident. However, the operation has been moving slowly because of unstable ground conditions and the danger of further landslides. Officials have also reported the presence of hazardous gases inside parts of the tunnel, making it difficult for rescue workers to enter safely.
Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that the death toll had risen to eight after another body was recovered during the overnight rescue operation. Several workers are still believed to be trapped, although officials have not released a final figure as they continue to verify the number of people who were inside the tunnel when the landslide occurred. Some workers managed to escape immediately after the collapse, while others remain unaccounted for.
The rescue effort has brought together multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force, the State Disaster Response Force, Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, the Indian Army and teams of engineers with experience in tunnel construction. Heavy excavators, drilling equipment, gas detectors and oxygen support systems are being used to remove debris and create a safe passage into the tunnel.
Officials on the ground said rescuers have been working around the clock despite difficult conditions. The combination of loose rocks, thick mud and the possibility of additional landslides has forced rescue teams to move carefully to avoid putting more lives at risk. Engineers are also monitoring the stability of the tunnel before allowing rescue personnel to move deeper inside.
One of the major challenges facing the rescue operation is the reported build up of methane or other dangerous gases inside the tunnel. Rescue workers have been equipped with protective gear and breathing equipment before entering the affected areas. Officials said some members of the rescue teams experienced breathing difficulties and dizziness during the initial stages of the operation, highlighting the dangers involved.
The Sikkim government has placed all emergency services on high alert and is closely monitoring developments. Senior officials, including District Collector Anupa Tamling, have been coordinating rescue efforts and reviewing the progress of the operation. The state administration has assured families of the trapped workers that every possible effort is being made to locate and rescue those still inside the tunnel.
The Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project is one of several power generation projects being developed along the Teesta River to increase electricity production in the region. The Samardung tunnel forms an important part of the project and is being constructed by Patel Engineering under an NHPC backed development. Construction activities in mountainous areas like Sikkim often face risks from heavy rainfall, unstable slopes and frequent landslides, especially during the monsoon season.
Experts say the latest accident once again highlights the challenges of carrying out major infrastructure projects in the fragile Himalayan environment. They have called for stronger monitoring of geological conditions, improved safety measures and better emergency preparedness at construction sites located in high risk areas.
Families of the trapped workers have gathered near the accident site, anxiously waiting for news about their loved ones. Rescue officials have been providing regular updates and have assured them that operations will continue without interruption until everyone inside the tunnel has been accounted for.
The state government is expected to order a detailed investigation into the cause of the landslide and examine whether all required safety measures were in place before the accident. The inquiry is likely to focus on geological conditions, construction practices and emergency response procedures to determine what led to the disaster.
As rescue teams continue their search, the focus remains on reaching those who may still be trapped beneath the debris. Authorities have said the operation will continue for as long as necessary despite the difficult terrain and hazardous conditions. The tragedy has drawn attention across the country, with many hoping that the remaining workers can still be brought out safely while the families of those who lost their lives await answers about how such a devastating accident occurred.