The death toll in the tunnel collapse at the under-construction NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydropower Project in Sikkim’s Namchi district has reached 13 as another body was found by rescue teams. The recovery occurred during the search operation at the Samardung tunnel in Jholungey, where several workers were trapped.
Authorities have shifted the recovered bodies to different hospitals for identification and post-mortem examinations. Four bodies were taken to the Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial (STNM) Hospital in Gangtok, while the rest were sent to Namchi District Hospital and Singtam District Hospital. Only one victim, identified as 31-year-old Shyam Oraon from West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district, has been identified so far.
The Additional Medical Superintendent of STNM Hospital mentioned that the preliminary post-mortem examination revealed that the identified victim died from asphyxia, along with other injuries and burn injuries. Search and rescue operations were briefly halted due to unsafe conditions caused by mud and water accumulation inside the tunnel, impeding efforts to reach the remaining trapped workers.
Rescue operations will resume with full force once conditions inside the tunnel improve and become safe for the rescue teams to re-enter. Despite facing challenges like unstable ground, water ingress, and heavy mud deposits, personnel from various emergency response agencies are prepared to restart the operation promptly.
