All 16 workers trapped inside the under-construction Samardung tunnel in South Sikkim were safely rescued on Monday, 20 July, following a multi-agency emergency operation, officials confirmed. A landslide reportedly triggered a suspected gas leak inside the tunnel, severely complicating evacuation efforts.

How the Crisis Unfolded

The workers were trapped near Mamring, close to Rangpo, where the Samardung tunnel is being constructed as part of the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project. According to officials, a landslide struck a section of the tunnel, causing a blockage and reports of hazardous gas accumulation that hampered initial rescue attempts.

Earlier in the day, authorities were uncertain of the exact number trapped, with estimates ranging between 12 and 20 workers. The figure was confirmed at 16 only after all had been safely evacuated.

Rescue Operation Under Hazardous Conditions

Personnel from the Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and other emergency response agencies worked for several hours under dangerous conditions to reach the trapped workers. Traffic movement in the surrounding area was regulated to ensure uninterrupted access for rescue vehicles and emergency equipment.

The operation faced a significant setback when members of a rescue team from neighbouring West Bengal reportedly experienced dizziness and briefly lost consciousness due to suspected exposure to toxic gases while attempting to enter the tunnel. They were immediately evacuated and shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Workers Taken to Hospital for Medical Checks

Immediately after being brought out, all 16 rescued workers were taken to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Rangpo for medical examinations and treatment. Officials said the workers were being closely monitored by doctors, though no detailed medical bulletin had been issued at the time of reporting.

Inquiry and Next Steps

Authorities have not yet disclosed the precise cause of the incident. Officials said a detailed inquiry will be conducted after safety assessments are completed. The condition of the tunnel and the circumstances leading to the suspected gas leak and blockage will be examined before construction activities are permitted to resume.

The Samardung tunnel is a key component of the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project, one of the largest hydropower undertakings currently under development in Sikkim. This rescue comes amid a broader pattern of infrastructure-related accidents in the northeastern Himalayan region, where difficult terrain and active seismic conditions routinely challenge construction safety protocols.