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At least 10 workers have died and more than 18 are feared trapped after a landslide struck an under-construction tunnel in India’s northeastern state of Sikkim, the NDTV reports.
The Indian outlet says 12 workers have been rescued, while National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are continuing search operations at the site.
The incident occurred after 3pm local time on Monday inside the Samardung tunnel in South Sikkim, where Patel Engineering is building part of the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project.
According to the Sikkim chief minister’s office, rescue operations are continuing, although the exact number of people still trapped has not been officially confirmed.
The landslide reportedly blocked the tunnel and trapped workers, while a suspected methane gas leak hampered rescue efforts by making the affected section unsafe.
Alongside the NDRF, teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sikkim police, and Fire and Emergency Services have been deployed.