Sikkim tunnel landslide: 7 dead, rescue ops at Samardung NHPC site
Synopsis
A landslide and suspected gas leak inside the under-construction Samardung tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district has killed seven people, even as 16 workers were rescued a day earlier. With rescue teams battling toxic gases and unstable conditions — and one West Bengal team briefly incapacitated — the full human cost of this NHPC project accident is still being counted.
Key Takeaways
Seven people have died following a landslide inside the Samardung tunnel , Namchi district, Sikkim , with rescue operations continuing as of Tuesday, 22 July .
Bodies have been shifted to Singtam District Hospital , STNM Hospital, Gangtok , and Namchi District Hospital .
16 workers were rescued safely on Monday and taken to Rangpo PHC for medical care.
A West Bengal rescue team reportedly suffered dizziness and loss of consciousness due to suspected toxic gas exposure inside the tunnel.
The tunnel is part of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project ; construction is expected to remain suspended pending a safety investigation.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the deceased were trapped workers or rescue personnel.
A landslide inside the under-construction Samardung tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project in Sikkim's Namchi district has claimed seven lives, with a major multi-agency rescue operation continuing through Tuesday morning, 22 July. Authorities confirmed the fatalities as search teams pressed on to account for all workers at the Jholungey area site.
What Happened Inside the Tunnel
The emergency unfolded on Monday when a landslide struck the under-construction tunnel near Mamring, close to Rangpo. The collapse reportedly triggered a suspected gas leak and blocked portions of the tunnel, severely complicating access for rescue personnel. Hazardous gas levels and structurally unstable sections forced teams to work under extreme caution.
On Monday, 16 workers trapped inside were evacuated safely following a large-scale multi-agency operation. They were shifted to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Rangpo for medical examination and treatment.
Seven Fatalities Confirmed
Fresh official information released on Tuesday confirmed seven deaths linked to the incident. The bodies of the deceased have been moved to Singtam District Hospital, STNM Hospital in Gangtok, and Namchi District Hospital. Authorities have not yet clarified whether the deceased were among the previously rescued workers or were rescue personnel — further details are awaited.
Rescue Teams Face Hazardous Conditions
The operation has drawn personnel from Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, the district administration, and other emergency response agencies, all working round-the-clock. Notably, members of a rescue team from neighbouring West Bengal reportedly suffered dizziness and briefly lost consciousness after suspected exposure to toxic gases while attempting to enter the tunnel on Monday. They were immediately evacuated and provided medical treatment.
Project Background and What Comes Next
The Samardung tunnel is a key component of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project, one of the major hydropower developments under construction in Sikkim. This comes amid a broader pattern of infrastructure incidents in the ecologically sensitive northeastern Himalayan region, where tunnel and dam construction carries elevated geological risk.
Authorities are expected to order a detailed investigation into the exact cause of the incident once rescue operations conclude and the site is declared safe. Construction activities are likely to remain suspended pending a comprehensive safety assessment. The full toll and the status of all workers at the site are expected to be confirmed once search efforts are complete.
Point of View
And the pattern raises urgent questions about geological risk assessment protocols for hydropower projects in Sikkim's seismically active terrain. The fact that a rescue team from West Bengal was incapacitated by toxic gases points to a failure of pre-entry hazard assessment, not just bad luck. NHPC and the Centre must answer why gas-detection and emergency-ventilation protocols did not prevent rescuer exposure. Investigations announced after the fact are standard; accountability for construction safety standards before the fact is what is consistently missing.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the Samardung tunnel in Sikkim?
A landslide struck the under-construction Samardung tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project in Sikkim's Namchi district, reportedly triggering a suspected gas leak and blocking portions of the tunnel. Seven people have been confirmed dead and 16 workers were rescued on Monday.
How many people died in the Sikkim tunnel landslide?
Authorities confirmed seven fatalities as of Tuesday, 22 July. The bodies have been shifted to Singtam District Hospital, STNM Hospital in Gangtok, and Namchi District Hospital. It has not yet been confirmed whether the deceased were trapped workers or rescue personnel.
Were any workers rescued from the Samardung tunnel?
Yes, 16 workers trapped inside the tunnel were evacuated safely on Monday following a large-scale multi-agency operation. They were shifted to the Primary Health Centre in Rangpo for medical examination and treatment.
Why is the rescue operation so difficult?
Rescue teams are operating under hazardous conditions due to suspected toxic gas accumulation and structurally unstable sections inside the tunnel. A West Bengal rescue team reportedly suffered dizziness and brief loss of consciousness after suspected gas exposure on Monday.
What is the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project?
It is one of the major hydropower projects under construction in Sikkim, developed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). The Samardung tunnel is a key component of this project. Construction is expected to remain suspended pending a safety investigation into the incident.
