Body Recovered From Samardung Tunnel Landslide Site in South Sikkim; Methane Leak Hampering Rescue
One body was recovered from the under-construction Samardung tunnel in South Sikkim after a landslide. Authorities say a methane gas leak is making rescue work,
One body was recovered on Monday evening from the site of a landslide inside the under-construction Samardung tunnel in South Sikkim. The incident has also led to concerns about workers trapped inside the tunnel, with officials saying about 27 people are feared trapped.
Rescue operations are continuing at the tunnel in Mamring. A methane gas leak linked to the landslide has severely affected entry attempts, because the gas concentration is high enough to make the area hazardous for rescue personnel.
Methane concentration restricts access inside the tunnel
The landslide occurred at around 3:09 pm inside the tunnel. The Samardung tunnel is being constructed by Patel Engineering for the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project.
Initial reports indicate the landslide blocked the tunnel passage and trapped workers. The situation inside the tunnel is further complicated by methane gas, which has limited how far rescue teams can go. Fire and Emergency Services staff and police officers attempted twice to enter the tunnel, but they could not rescue anyone without protective gear and faced difficult conditions.
According to the Namchi District Collector, NDRF teams were informed from Siliguri and Pakyong soon after authorities received information about the incident. A first NDRF team that entered the tunnel later had to evacuate Fire and Emergency Services personnel who had gone in during earlier attempts. A second NDRF team entered the tunnel after that, and rescue work continues.
Identity of recovered person not confirmed
The recovered body was brought out by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and was shifted by ambulance for further procedures. Officials said the identity of the deceased has not yet been established.
Authorities are still trying to determine what caused the landslide. The Collector said workers who managed to come out reported hearing a large, blast-like sound from inside the tunnel before they ran out, and that some workers remain trapped. The number of people feared trapped is currently provisional.
