At least nine workers were killed and several others remain trapped after a tunnel under construction for a hydroelectric power project collapsed in India’s northeastern state of Sikkim, officials said.
According to a statement issued by the Sikkim government, the incident occurred on Monday afternoon at the project site in Namchi district.
“Search and rescue operations are continuing at the site to locate and evacuate the remaining trapped workers,” the government said in a statement on Tuesday.
Local media reported that a landslide blocked the tunnel’s entrance and may have triggered a gas leak, further complicating rescue efforts.
The Sikkim government said Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to review the situation and ongoing rescue operations.
According to the statement, Modi assured the state government of “every possible assistance” from the federal government to support rescue efforts and provide relief to those affected.
Authorities said multiple agencies are carrying out rescue operations on a war footing, with specialised teams working to reach those still trapped inside the tunnel and recover the remaining victims.