8 Dead 18 Trapped in Sikkim Tunnel Landslide & Gas Leak

Tragedy struck a tunnel construction site in neighboring Sikkim India where a landslide triggered a severe methane gas leak leaving eight workers dead and an estimated 18 others trapped.

According to local officials the disaster occurred at the Samardung tunnel where the landslide blocked the main passage. While emergency responders have successfully rescued 12 individuals, authorities caution that the figure of those still trapped remains provisional.

Search and rescue operations led by India's National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are actively underway. However dangerously high levels of methane gas inside the collapsed tunnel are severely hindering these efforts. Members of an initial rescue team had to be safely evacuated and hospitalized after experiencing dizziness and breathing difficulties due to the toxic gas exposure.

The local administration has emphasized that their absolute priority is the safe and immediate evacuation of all personnel still trapped inside. The situation remains critical as emergency teams work to safely navigate the hazardous conditions.