12 workers trapped in under-construction tunnel after landslide in Sikkim
Twelve workers are trapped in an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim following a landslide that also caused a suspected gas leak. Rescue operations are currently underway, though complicated by the presence of hazardous gases.
Why it matters
This is a critical infrastructure safety incident that highlights the risks associated with construction in geologically unstable regions.
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 (July 20, 2026) afternoon, police said.
The landslide also triggered a suspected gas leak inside the Samardung tunnel, they said.
The gas is believed to be naturally emanating from underground strata or rock formations disturbed by the landslide, they added.
Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), SDRF, police and the Fire and Emergency Services are carrying out the rescue operation, a police officer said.
"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.
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