Rescue teams continue operations for a second day inside the collapsed Teesta Stage-VI hydropower tunnel in Namchi as continuous rain, carbon monoxide and unstable terrain hamper efforts
Gangtok: At least 10 people have died and around 20 others remain trapped after a section of an under-construction tunnel at the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project collapsed in Sikkim’s Namchi district.
The collapse occurred inside the 7-km-long tunnel near Samardung while 25 to 38 people, including NHPC officials and Patel Engineering representatives, were conducting a routine inspection. So far, 12 people have been rescued, while search operations continue for those trapped nearly three kilometres underground.
NDRF Deputy Commandant Vivek Kumar said the collapse took place around 1.5 km inside the tunnel, where carbon monoxide has been detected. Officials suspect methane accumulation may have triggered an explosion that caused the collapse, though its presence has not been officially confirmed.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang expressed grief over the tragedy and said all available resources had been deployed for the rescue operation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the loss of lives and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the families of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Sikkim MP Indra Hang Subba and West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari also expressed condolences and urged swift rescue efforts.
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