Seven Bodies Recovered From Sikkim Tunnel, Several Workers Feared Trapped

Seven people have been confirmed dead after an incident inside an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district, where rescue teams are continuing efforts to reach workers believed to be trapped. Authorities are yet to confirm the exact number of people inside the tunnel at the time of the incident.

Seven fatalities confirmed as rescue efforts intensify

Seven fatalities have been reported by the district administration as search and rescue operations continue inside the under-construction tunnel at Samardung, Jholungey, in Sikkim's Namchi district, officials said on Tuesday.

According to the latest official information, "seven fatalities have been reported" by the district administration. The bodies have been shifted to Singtam District Hospital, STNM Hospital in Gangtok and Namchi District Hospital, the Information and Public Relations Department said in a statement.

The Namchi District Administration, along with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, the Health Department and other line departments, is continuing rescue operations at the site. The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) is closely monitoring the situation, with officials saying further updates will be issued as more information becomes available.

Authorities yet to confirm number of trapped workers

Earlier, Namchi District Collector Anupa Tamling said authorities believed that around 27 workers could be trapped inside the tunnel, although the exact number remained unconfirmed.

"There is a possibility that around 27 workers are trapped inside the tunnel. However, since complete information about the condition inside the tunnel has not yet come in, the actual number has not been confirmed."

She said an NDRF team had entered the tunnel and begun rescue operations.

She added, "Only after the NDRF team returns will there be clear information about how many workers are inside and what their condition is."

Gas leak suspected inside under-construction tunnel

The incident was reported on Monday afternoon after an alleged gas leak inside the under-construction tunnel at Samardong. The leak is believed to have trapped several workers, prompting the deployment of multiple emergency response agencies.

Officials, however, said it is still not clear what exactly happened inside the tunnel or how many workers remain trapped as rescue efforts continue.

(With inputs from ANI)