Sikkim Tunnel Collapse Death Toll Rises to 20; Several Workers Still Trapped

The death toll in the under-construction tunnel collapse in Namchi district of Sikkim has risen to 20, while more than five workers remain trapped, police said on Tuesday. Rescue and search operations have been continuing over the past 24 hours to locate those still missing. According to officials, the accident occurred after an under-construction tunnel at the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project in Samardung, Jholunge, collapsed following a landslide. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said the ADIT-3 tunnel suddenly gave way on Monday, trapping more than 25 people, including project officials and workers, inside. The Chief Minister announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh for the families of each deceased worker and Rs 50,000 for those injured in the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to review the situation and assured him of all possible assistance from the Central Government. The Prime Minister further announced Rs 2 lakh as ex gratia for the next of kin of each deceased worker and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Meanwhile, Patel Engineering Limited (PEL), which is carrying out the civil construction work for the NHPC tunnel project in Namchi district, said its project team is working closely with disaster response forces and local authorities to rescue those trapped. The company stated that all necessary resources and equipment have been deployed for the rescue mission. Its site engineering team is assisting rescue personnel in reaching the affected section of the tunnel, while company employees are working round the clock alongside the authorities. Expressing condolences, the company said its thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and assured that it stands firmly with them during this difficult time.