Ten bodies have been recovered from the NHPC Teesta Stage VI hydropower project tunnel in Sikkim’s Namchi district, while rescue teams continue searching for workers who may still be trapped.
Rescue teams continue search operations at the under-construction tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district after 10 fatalities were confirmed. | ANI
Ten people have died after an incident inside an under-construction tunnel at the NHPC Teesta Stage VI hydropower project in Sikkim’s Namchi district, where rescue teams are continuing efforts to reach workers believed to be trapped.
The Namchi district administration said the fatalities were reported as search and rescue operations continued at the tunnel in Samardung, Jholungey. The bodies have been shifted to Singtam District Hospital, STNM Hospital in Gangtok and Namchi District Hospital.
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Authorities said the rescue operation is being carried out jointly by the district administration, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, the Health Department and other departments. The situation is being monitored by the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA). Specialised rescue teams from Pakyong and Siliguri have also joined the operation.
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NDRF Deputy Commander Vivek Kumar said 10 bodies had been recovered and that there was still a possibility of more people being trapped inside the tunnel.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke to Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to review the situation and assured the state of all possible assistance from the Centre for the rescue operation and relief measures.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to the Chief Minister to enquire about the situation and ongoing rescue operations, assuring all possible assistance in the rescue efforts and support for those affected.
The Chief Minister thanked the Prime Minister for the assurance and said he was closely monitoring the rescue mission. He said all departments had been directed to expedite operations, assist the affected families and maintain the highest safety standards during the rescue effort.
He also appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and assured that the state government would make every effort to carry out the rescue operation safely while extending all necessary support to the affected families.
The incident came to light on Monday after a landslide at the under-construction tunnel in Samardung. Rescue agencies were rushed to the site, and operations are continuing to locate any remaining workers inside.
With inputs from ANI and IANS
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