Namchi (Sikkim): Search and rescue operations resumed on Tuesday morning at the site of the NHPC tunnel collapse in Sikkim’s Namchi district, where multiple agencies are racing against time to locate workers believed to be trapped beneath the debris.
According to Namchi Superintendent of Police Sonam Dolma, 12 bodies have been recovered from the collapsed tunnel so far, while an estimated 13 to 15 people are still feared to be trapped inside. Rescue teams are continuing operations under challenging conditions.
Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, along with a specialised team of coal mining experts, are jointly engaged in the rescue mission. Heavy machinery and technical equipment are also being deployed to remove debris and create safe access to the affected section of the tunnel.
Authorities said the operation remains complex due to unstable conditions inside the collapsed structure, requiring rescuers to proceed cautiously to avoid further cave-ins. Teams are working in shifts to ensure the search continues uninterrupted.
Officials have not yet disclosed the exact cause of the collapse, stating that the focus remains on rescuing those who may still be alive. A detailed investigation into the incident is expected once rescue operations are completed.
The accident has drawn widespread concern, with local authorities maintaining close coordination among all responding agencies. Medical teams and emergency support personnel remain stationed near the site to provide immediate assistance as rescue efforts continue.
The administration has assured that every possible resource is being mobilised to locate the missing workers, while families waiting near the site continue to hope for positive developments as the operation enters another critical phase.
