NAMCHI (Sikkim): At least 12 workers were trapped inside an under-construction road tunnel in Sikkim’s Namchi district after a landslide blocked its entrance on Monday afternoon, police said. The landslide also triggered a suspected gas leak inside the Samardung tunnel, according to officials. Authorities said the gas is believed to be naturally emanating from underground strata or rock formations disturbed by the landslide. Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police and the Fire and Emergency Services have been deployed at the site and are carrying out rescue operations.“Rescue operations are underway, but the operation has been complicated by the presence of gas inside the tunnel. Several rescue personnel experienced dizziness and lost consciousness while attempting to reach the trapped workers,” he said.“Ambulances have been kept on standby, while rescuers equipped with gas masks are trying to reach the trapped workers inside the tunnel,” he added. Officials said the tunnel is being constructed as part of a highway project. Rescue efforts were continuing at the time of filing this report.(With Agency Inputs)
