NEW DELHI: At least nine people have died while 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. The incident occurred inside an under-construction tunnel at Samardung, Jholungey, in Namchi district. Authorities suspect that around 27 workers were trapped inside, although the exact number has not yet been confirmed.Rescue teams are carrying out a massive operation to evacuate those trapped, officials said.“As per the latest official information, seven fatalities have been reported by the District Administration,” the Namchi Information and Public Relations Department said in a statement.The bodies of the deceased have been shifted to Singtam District Hospital, STNM Hospital in Gangtok, and Namchi District Hospital, it added.“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,” District Collector Anupa Tamling said, ANI reported.“Only after the NDRF team returns will there be clear information about how many workers are inside and what their condition is,” she added.The rescue operation is being carried out by the Namchi district administration, in coordination with the NDRF, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, the Health Department, and other agencies.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 incident was reported on Monday afternoon following an alleged gas leak inside the tunnel. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained.
