Sikkim tunnel collapse: Seven dead, 27 feared trapped as rescue teams work amid landslide and gas leak

At least seven people have died and several workers are feared trapped inside an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district after a landslide blocked the entrance and triggered a suspected gas leak on Monday, officials said.

The incident occurred at the Samardung tunnel in Jholungey, Namchi district. Authorities suspect around 27 workers were trapped inside, although the exact number has not yet been confirmed.

Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and the Health Department, are conducting a massive operation to evacuate those trapped.

In a statement, the Namchi Information and Public Relations Department said: “As per the latest official information, seven fatalities have been reported by the District Administration.” The bodies of the deceased have been sent to Singtam District Hospital, STNM Hospital in Gangtok, and Namchi District Hospital.

Namchi District Collector Anupa Tamling said: “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. Only after the NDRF team returns will there be clear information about how many workers are inside and what their condition is.”

The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) is closely monitoring the situation, and officials said further updates will be issued as more information becomes available. The accident was reported on Monday afternoon following an alleged gas leak inside the tunnel. The exact cause is yet to be ascertained.