A massive landslide near an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim triggered a major rescue operation on Tuesday after dozens of workers were trapped inside the project. Rescue teams have been working round the clock under challenging conditions, with a suspected gas leak and unstable terrain slowing efforts to reach those stranded.
The incident occurred near a tunnel construction site in the Himalayan state after heavy rainfall triggered a landslide, causing large quantities of mud, rocks and debris to block the tunnel entrance. Initial reports indicated that around 27 workers were trapped inside. However, later updates from local authorities confirmed that 10 workers lost their lives, while rescue operations continued to locate and evacuate others.
Officials said the workers were engaged in construction activities when the landslide struck suddenly. The collapse sealed the tunnel entrance, leaving those inside with no immediate escape route. Emergency teams were alerted soon after the incident, and a large-scale rescue mission was launched.
Rescue personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, the district administration and other emergency agencies rushed to the site. Heavy earth-moving equipment, excavators and drilling machinery were deployed to remove debris blocking the entrance.
The rescue, however, has been complicated by a suspected gas leak inside the tunnel. Officials said rescue workers had to proceed cautiously after detecting the possibility of hazardous gases accumulating within the confined space. Safety teams are continuously monitoring air quality before allowing rescuers to move deeper into the tunnel.
Authorities said unstable slopes caused by continuous rainfall have further increased the risk of additional landslides, forcing rescue teams to suspend excavation briefly at intervals to ensure the safety of personnel. Engineers are also assessing the structural stability of the tunnel before large machinery can be used extensively.
According to officials, communication with those trapped inside has remained difficult. Rescue teams are making every effort to establish contact while creating a safe passage through the debris. Medical teams and ambulances have been stationed at the site to provide immediate treatment to survivors once they are rescued.
The tunnel is part of an important infrastructure project aimed at improving road connectivity in the mountainous region. Such projects are considered crucial for transportation, tourism and strategic movement in the northeastern state, but they also face significant geological challenges due to the fragile Himalayan terrain.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and assured the state government of all possible assistance from the Centre. In a message, he conveyed condolences to the families of those who died and said the Union government was closely monitoring the rescue operation. He also wished for the safe rescue of those still trapped.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang also expressed sorrow over the incident and said the state administration was coordinating closely with rescue agencies. He directed officials to ensure that all available resources were deployed to speed up rescue efforts while maintaining the safety of emergency personnel.
Heavy rainfall over the past several days has triggered multiple landslides across Sikkim, disrupting road connectivity and affecting normal life in several districts. The India Meteorological Department has forecast continued rain in parts of the region, prompting authorities to remain on high alert.
Experts say the Himalayan region is particularly vulnerable to landslides because of its steep slopes, fragile geology and frequent heavy rainfall. Infrastructure projects in such areas often require extensive geological assessments and continuous monitoring to minimise risks.
The latest tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers faced by construction workers engaged in large infrastructure projects in difficult terrain. Safety experts have stressed the importance of regular inspections, effective emergency response systems and real-time monitoring of geological conditions to reduce the risk of such accidents.
As rescue operations continue, families of the trapped workers have gathered near the site, anxiously waiting for updates. Officials have assured them that every possible effort is being made to rescue survivors and recover those feared trapped under the debris.
The incident has drawn nationwide attention, with messages of support pouring in from across the country. Rescue teams remain hopeful that more workers can be reached safely despite the difficult conditions. Authorities said the operation will continue without interruption until every trapped worker is accounted for.
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