Sikkim Tunnel Collapse: Major accident in Sikkim! Toxic methane gas leaks in under-construction tunnel after landslide, 7 workers killed, many trapped inside; Huge obstacles coming in rescue

A very painful and worrying news is coming out from the north-eastern state of Sikkim. A major accident has occurred due to a sudden landslide and subsequent suspected methane gas leakage in the Samardung-Mamaring (Jholunge) tunnel being built under the Teesta Stage-6 Hydroelectric Project in Namchi (South Sikkim) area of ​​Sikkim. Due to the main entrance of the tunnel being closed due to debris, many workers working inside got trapped. According to the latest reports and administrative confirmation, so far 7 workers have died in this horrific accident, while about 18 to 20 workers are still trapped inside the tunnel. From a reporter’s point of view, the rescue operations are going through the most difficult phase in history due to the poisonous gas spread inside the tunnel and severe lack of oxygen. Toxic methane gas and lack of oxygen blocked the way. When the tunnel’s exit gate was completely blocked after the landslide on Monday afternoon, suspicious methane gas started leaking due to the heavy pressure inside the tunnel. Due to this, huge challenges have arisen before the personnel engaged in the rescue operation: Deterioration of health of the rescue workers: Due to the poisonous gas accumulated inside the tunnel and suffocating conditions, many members of the initial rescue team have received complaints of dizziness and unconsciousness, after which emergency teams specially equipped with ‘gas masks’ and state-of-the-art safety equipment have been called from West Bengal. Danger of explosion and landslide: Due to the heavy presence of methane gas inside the tunnel, there is a possibility of a major explosion due to any kind of spark, due to which extreme caution has to be taken in removing the debris. The trapped laborers are connected to Patel Engineering and NHPC. This tunnel is part of NHPC’s Teesta Phase-6 Hydroelectric Project, whose construction contract is with Patel Engineering. At the time of the incident, many contract laborers along with NHPC officials were engaged in regular digging and maintenance work inside the tunnel. Teams of NDRF, SDRF, local police and district administration are continuously trying to pump oxygen cylinders inside the tunnel and supply fresh air through the pipeline, so that the breathing of the people trapped inside can be saved. The administration and team of doctors are on alert at the spot along with Namchi’s District Magistrate (DC), Superintendent of Police (SP) and senior officials of the Health Department along with heavy police force and several ambulance vehicles. A temporary medical camp has been set up outside the tunnel so that as soon as a laborer is taken out, he can be immediately referred to a higher center (Rangpo or Gangtok Hospital) after being given first aid. The state government and the central government are also keeping a close watch on this entire rescue operation and taking out the trapped laborers safely is the top priority of the administration at this time.