Sikkim Tunnel Tragedy: 12 Bodies Recovered From Collapse Site; Search Operations Continue for Trapped Workers

Namchi: The death toll rose to 12 as the site of the collapsed NHPC tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district, while rescue teams continue their search for approximately 15 others who are still trapped inside.

Providing details on the ongoing multi-agency rescue efforts at the location, Namchi District Superintendent of Police Sonam Dolma stated, "Till now 12 bodies have been recovered. 13-15 are still feared trapped. Rescue operation is still going on. NDRF, SDRF, Sikkim Police, Coal mining Experts team, Fire and Emergency Services are carrying out the operation."

Rescue operations are underway at the NHPC tunnel collapse location.

On Tuesday, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced financial assistance for the victims of the Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project tunnel tragedy and said a thorough inquiry would be conducted into the incident, with strict action to follow if any negligence by the executing company is established.

Speaking to reporters at the site, Tamang said the state administration acted swiftly after the accident, mobilising multiple rescue agencies to carry out operations inside the under-construction tunnel.

"The incident took place yesterday around 1.30 PM, coinciding with the lunch break for the workers on-site. There were approximately 27 people present; two managed to escape, leaving 25 trapped. Upon learning of the incident, the state administration - mobilising everyone from the police to the SDRF and NDRF - rushed to the scene. We have now successfully rescued all 25 individuals who were trapped. We are currently assessing the situation to ensure nothing else is amiss and to determine the next steps," Tamang said.

He added, "Following the inquiry, if any fault or negligence on the part of the company is found, appropriate action will be taken. Furthermore, the state government will provide Rs 4 lakh as compensation for the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured."

According to NHPC, the accident occurred on July 20 inside the under-construction Head Race Tunnel (HRT) at Samardung after a sudden burst of suspected methane gas trapped within rock formations triggered an explosion, filling the tunnel with dense fumes and toxic gases.

NHPC said emergency response protocols were immediately activated, with rescue operations conducted jointly by the district administration, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local authorities and a specialised rescue team from the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS). Senior NHPC officials also reached the site to monitor the rescue effort.

The company confirmed that 25 workers were trapped inside the tunnel and 10 people lost their lives in the incident. It said a detailed investigation would be undertaken to determine the exact cause of the accident while extending full support to the rescue agencies and the affected families.

Earlier, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar expressed grief over the tragedy and assured full support for the ongoing rescue efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Chief Minister Tamang to review the situation and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Rescue operations were carried out amid heavy rainfall, waterlogging and concerns over possible gas accumulation inside the tunnel. Authorities said expert chemical and gas assessment teams have been deployed, while investigations into the cause of the incident are underway. 

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