At least 9 dead, 27 others feared trapped in Sikkim tunnel collapse

At least 9 workers have died, and around 27 others are feared trapped inside an under-construction tunnel at Samardung, Jholungey, in Sikkim's Namchi district. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon after a landslide blocked the tunnel entrance, which subsequently triggered a suspected gas leak inside the structure. The bodies of the deceased have been shifted to Singtam District Hospital, STNM Hospital in Gangtok, and Namchi District Hospital.

Emergency teams comprising the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and the Health Department have launched a joint rescue operation. Namchi District Collector Anupa Tamling stated that while initial estimates indicate around 27 workers may be trapped inside, the exact count and their condition can only be confirmed once the rescue teams evaluate the situation inside.

The rescue effort is being closely monitored by the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) in coordination with local administrative bodies. The presence of toxic gas inside the tunnel has complicated evacuation efforts for the response teams. Authorities noted that further official updates will be released as the joint teams progress with clearing the entrance and reaching those trapped inside.