Sikkim tunnel collapse: Death toll rises to 20, rescue operations underway to save 5 trapped workers
&imwidth=600&imheight=450&format=webp&quality=medium "Sikkim tunnel collapse: Death toll rises to 20, rescue operations underway to save 5 trapped workers")
The death toll in an under-construction tunnel collapse in Sikkim’s Namchi district has gone up
At least 20 people were killed and five remained trapped after a methane gas explosion triggered a landslide and collapse inside an under-construction NHPC tunnel in Sikkim’s Namchi district. Toxic fumes and low oxygen levels hampered rescue efforts
The death toll in an under-construction tunnel collapse in Sikkim’s Namchi district has gone up to 20 even as rescue operations are underway to save five more workers who are trapped. The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC) said that they are working in close coordination with the district administration, National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, local authorities and other emergency agencies to support the rescue operations. In addition, a special rescue team from DG Mines-Safety reached the site. Tamang said that the tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project at Samardung in Jholungey caved in after a landslide.
According to workers, a huge blast-like sound from inside the tunnel after landslide.” Rangpo Fire and Emergency Services personnel pushed inside but retreated after encountering toxic fumes and lethal oxygen levels. Several rescuers fell ill during the attempt. According to preliminary reports, methane gas had accumulated around 1.5 kilometres inside the tunnel. The gas is believed to have naturally come from underground strata or rock formations disturbed by the landslide.
Also Read: Sikkim tunnel collapse: Landslide suspected to have triggered a gas leak in Samardung tunnel
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang over the phone and offered every possible support for the rescue efforts. The PMO also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured. Meanwhile, West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari also spoke to Sikkim Chief Minister Tamang and offered full support. He also said the West Bengal government was closely monitoring the situation as there was a strong possibility that some of the affected workers were from Jalpaiguri district. He also said minister Bishal Lama and the Darjeeling district magistrate were heading to the site to help with coordination as rescue operations continued.
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