A landslide blocked the entrance of the under-construction Samardung tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district, trapping construction workers inside the site.

The disaster complicates critical infrastructure development in the region and highlights the volatile nature of tunnel excavation in landslide-prone terrain. Emergency teams are now battling both physical debris and hazardous atmospheric conditions to reach survivors.

Reports on the number of trapped individuals vary. Some sources said 27 workers are trapped [1], while other reports said the number is 12 [2]. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are leading the rescue efforts, though the operation has faced significant setbacks.

Rescue teams said there is a suspected methane gas leak inside the tunnel. This leak has hampered efforts to enter the site, as rescuers must utilize specialized equipment and gas masks to navigate the tunnel safely.

Casualty figures are also conflicting. One report said at least 10 people died [3], while another report said seven workers died [4]. The NDRF continues to work on clearing the entrance to stabilize the area and retrieve those remaining inside.

The Samardung tunnel is part of a broader effort to improve connectivity in the Namchi district. However, the sudden collapse of the entrance has halted all construction activity as officials prioritize the recovery of the workers.

“A landslide blocked the entrance of the under-construction Samardung tunnel”

The incident underscores the high risks associated with tunnel construction in the Himalayas, where geological instability often leads to landslides. The presence of methane gas suggests that excavation may have breached underground pockets, adding a chemical hazard to the structural collapse. This tragedy likely prompts a review of safety protocols and gas detection requirements for infrastructure projects in Sikkim.