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At least 9 people have died, and 15 others remain trapped after a tunnel collapsed at an under-construction hydroelectric project in India's remote northeast, The New Indian Express reported on Tuesday.
The incident occurred Monday in the Himalayan state of Sikkim, where workers were constructing a tunnel for a state-run hydropower project on the Teesta River.
"We are estimating around 25-27 people were trapped," Rajiv Roka, director of the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, told reporters from Agence France-Presse (AFP). "Nine bodies have been recovered."
The collapse was likely triggered by a blast, the cause of which was yet to be ascertained. The region has seen torrential monsoon rains in recent days. Roka said authorities were "not sure what caused the blast because it was deep in the tunnel," adding that "it was most probably natural."
Toxic methane gas leaking from underground rock formations was hampering rescue efforts, officials said, allowing only teams carrying oxygen equipment to enter.
"Aggressive rescue operations are underway, but the problem is there's a lot of gas present there," Roka said. A specialized team trained in mining accidents had been flown in to aid the rescuers, he added.
Accidents on large infrastructure construction sites are common in India, but ecologists say excessive development projects have led to more disasters in the fragile Himalayan areas.
In 2023, 41 workers were rescued after being trapped for 17 days under a Himalayan road tunnel that had collapsed in the northern Uttarakhand state.
A state government update issued at 9:50 a.m. local time on Tuesday regarding the search-and-rescue operation at the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project in Samardung, Jholungey, confirmed the fatalities following a landslide on Monday night.
According to details provided by the general manager of the NHPC Ltd Teesta VI Hydropower Project, 25 workers, including project officials, were trapped inside the ADIT-3 tunnel. The project features two main tunnels spanning 13.8 kilometers (8.5 miles) and 13.7 kilometers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang over the phone to inquire about the situation and review the ongoing rescue operations.
During the conversation, the Prime Minister expressed deep concern and compassion for the affected workers and their families, assuring the state government of every possible assistance from the national government to support relief efforts.
Rescue operations are jointly being carried out on a war footing by the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, district administration, police, Fire and Emergency Services, medical teams from Rangpo Primary Health Centre, and local volunteers. Specialized teams from Pakyong and Siliguri are also assisting in the operations.
The minister conveyed condolences to the families of the workers who lost their lives, stating that the thoughts and prayers of the entire state were with the bereaved families and assuring them of unwavering support.
The chief minister directed all concerned departments and agencies to expedite rescue efforts, extend every possible assistance to the affected families, and ensure that the highest standards of safety are maintained throughout the operations.
Further, he appealed to everyone to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and keep the affected workers and their families in their prayers. "We remain committed to doing everything possible to bring the rescue operations to a safe and successful conclusion," he said.
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