- By Surarika Das
- Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:11 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Seven workers confirmed dead in Sikkim tunnel accident.
- Eighteen workers remain trapped inside Namchi tunnel.
- Rescue operations underway by NDRF and state agencies.
At least 10 workers have died and 18 remain trapped after an accident inside an under-construction tunnel at Samardung in Jholungey under Sikkim's Namchi district on Monday. Around 27 workers, including National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) personnel, were trapped inside the tunnel. Among them, seven have been confirmed dead, the district administration said. Rescue operations are currently underway to evacuate the remaining 18 workers.
Gangtok, Sikkim: Seven deaths have been confirmed in a tunnel incident at NHPC Teesta Stage VI project in Namchi. Bodies were sent to nearby hospitals, while rescue teams continue efforts to evacuate workers trapped inside the under-construction tunnel. pic.twitter.com/m5IhyiQL1o
— IANS (@ians_india) July 21, 2026
The deceased bodies have been sent to Singtam District Hospital, STNM Hospital, Gangtok, and Namchi District Hospital, Information Public Relations said in a statement. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has entered the tunnel and started rescue operations.
According to District Collector of Namchi district, Anupa Tamling, "There is a possibility that around 27 workers are trapped inside the tunnel. However, since complete information about the condition inside the tunnel has not yet come in, the actual number has not been confirmed." The rescue operation is being conducted by the Namchi district administration, in coordination with the NDRF, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, the Health Department, and few other agencies, ANI reported.
The incident was first reported on Monday after an alleged gas leak inside the tunnel in Samardung. The exact cause of the mishap is yet to ascertained. Following this incident, people working inside the tunnel have been trapped and concerned agencies have been deployed for their rescue. However, it is still not clear what exactly happened inside the tunnel and how many people are currently trapped there.