Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Tunnel Collapse in Sikkim Kills 8, Traps 20
A tunnel that was being built in Sikkim collapsed, killing eight people and trapping around 20 workers.
Rescue teams are working hard to save the trapped workers, but it's very difficult because of dangerous gases, poor visibility, and ongoing rainfall.
The tunnel was part of a big hydroelectric power project.
The bodies of those who died have been taken to nearby hospitals.
The Chief Minister of Sikkim has expressed grief and assured that all resources are being used for the rescue operation.
Eight people died in a tunnel collapse in Sikkim.
Around 20 workers are estimated to be trapped inside the tunnel.
Rescue teams, including NDRF, SDRF, and local volunteers, are conducting operations.
The rescue operation is challenging due to methane gas, poor visibility, and ongoing rainfall.
The tunnel was part of the Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Power Project.
- Who
- Workers of Patel Engineering and NHPC
- What
- Tunnel collapse
- When
- Monday
- Where
- Samardung, Jholungey, Namchi District, Sikkim
- Why
- Construction-related accident
Rescue Efforts
Challenges Faced
Rescue Operations
Rescue Efforts
Rescue teams, including NDRF, SDRF, district police, and Fire and Emergency Services, are actively working to reach the trapped workers.
Challenges Faced
The rescue operation is hindered by methane gas exposure, the narrow tunnel, poor visibility, and ongoing rainfall causing ground instability.
- Location
- Samardung, Jholungey, Namchi District, Sikkim
- Number of Dead
- 8
- Estimated Trapped Workers
- 20
- Rescue Teams Involved
- NDRF, SDRF, Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, local volunteers
- Project Involved
- Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project
- Contractor
- Patel Engineering
- Hospital for Deceased
- Singtam District Hospital, STNM Hospital, Gangtok, Namchi District Hospital
- Chief Minister
- P S Tamang
- MP
- Indra Hang Subba
Sources
Seven killed after under-construction tunnel collapses in Sikkim, several remain trapped; rescue operations underway
7 killed, several trapped in Sikkim tunnel after landslide
8 Dead And 20 Trapped After Tunnel Collapse In Sikkim's Namchi
