Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Landslide Traps Workers in Sikkim Tunnel
A big rockslide happened in Sikkim, India, and blocked a tunnel that was being built.
About 27 workers got stuck inside the tunnel.
There is also a gas leak, which is making it hard for the rescue teams to help the workers.
Teams like the National Disaster Response Force, the police, and a special team from West Bengal are trying to save the workers.
The gas is making some rescuers dizzy, so they are wearing special masks to protect themselves.
The tunnel is part of a big power project.
Ambulances are waiting nearby to help the workers once they are rescued.
A landslide blocked the entrance of an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district, trapping about 27 workers inside.
Rescue operations are underway, but a suspected methane gas leak is complicating the efforts, causing dizziness and unconsciousness in some rescuers.
Teams from the NDRF, SDRF, police, Fire and Emergency Services, and a specialized team from West Bengal are involved in the rescue operation.
Ambulances are on standby, and rescuers are using gas masks and other protective gear to reach the trapped workers.
The tunnel is part of the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Power Project, being constructed by Patel Engineering for NHPC.
- Who
- 27 workers (21 from Patel Engineering, 6 from NHPC) and rescue personnel
- What
- Landslide and suspected methane gas leak in an under-construction tunnel
- When
- Monday afternoon, around 3:40 PM
- Where
- Namchi district, Sikkim
- Why
- The landslide blocked the tunnel entrance and triggered a suspected methane gas leak
- Location
- Namchi district, Sikkim
- Number of Workers Trapped
- 27 (estimated)
- Cause of Incident
- Landslide
- Rescue Teams Involved
- NDRF, SDRF, Police, Fire and Emergency Services, West Bengal specialized team
- Complication
- Suspected gas leak (methane)
- Project Type
- Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Power Project
- Time of Incident
- Monday afternoon, around 3:40 PM
Sources
12 workers trapped in under-construction tunnel after landslide in Sikkim
Several Workers Trapped in Under-Construction Tunnel After Landslide in Sikkim, Rescue Ops On
Landslide traps about 27 workers inside under-construction Sikkim tunnel; gas leak slows rescue
