Sikkim tunnel collapse toll rises to 20, rescue operations continue
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The toll in the collapse of a tunnel that was being constructed in Sikkim’s Namchi district has increased to 20, reported The Indian Express on Wednesday. Five more persons remained trapped inside.
The tunnel was part of the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation in the Samardung area. It was being constructed to transport high-pressure water from the reservoir to the powerhouse.
On Monday, the tunnel collapsed after a “sudden explosion of trapped/embedded suspected methane gas within the rocks, resulting in dense smoke and toxic gases”, stated the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation.
Twenty-seven persons were trapped inside the tunnel, of which two managed to come out, The Times of India quoted Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang as saying.
Out of the 25 trapped inside, 20 are confirmed dead, said Namchi Superintendent of Police Sonam D Bhutia, according to The Indian Express.
Bhutia added that 12 bodies had been recovered during the search and rescue operations.
The toll is likely to increase further as the rescue operations are ongoing, Deccan Herald quoted unidentified police officials as saying.
Officials said on Monday that the rescue workers had experienced dizziness and lost consciousness while trying to reach the trapped persons, hindering the operations.
Tamang has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each for the family members of those who died and Rs 50,000 for injured persons.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic...