10 dead, over 18 feared trapped after landslide, gas leak hit India tunnel

The tunnel is part of the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project under construction in South Sikkim

India's National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) carries out search and rescue operations at the tunnel site. Photo: ANI

At least 10 workers have died and more than 18 are feared trapped after a landslide struck an under-construction tunnel in India's northeastern state of Sikkim, the NDTV reports.

The Indian outlet says 12 workers have been rescued, while National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are continuing search operations at the site.

The incident occurred after 3pm local time on Monday inside the Samardung tunnel in South Sikkim, where Patel Engineering is building part of the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project.

According to the Sikkim chief minister's office, rescue operations are continuing, although the exact number of people still trapped has not been officially confirmed.

The landslide reportedly blocked the tunnel and trapped workers, while a suspected methane gas leak hampered rescue efforts by making the affected section unsafe.

Alongside the NDRF, teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sikkim police, and Fire and Emergency Services have been deployed.

Authorities have also regulated traffic in the area to support the operation.

According to NDTV, the first NDRF team entering the tunnel evacuated emergency personnel involved in the initial rescue attempt before a second team resumed operations.

Officials said methane levels remained so high that rescuers were still unable to reach the section where the trapped workers are believed to be. Authorities have yet to determine what triggered the landslide.

According to the report, members of an initial rescue team experienced dizziness and breathing difficulties after exposure to methane.

They were brought out safely and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.