Photo courtesy of Anadolu
At least nine workers were killed after a tunnel under construction for a hydroelectric power project collapsed in India’s northeastern state of Sikkim, authorities said.
The accident occurred Monday afternoon in Namchi district, where rescue teams continued searching for several workers believed to be trapped.
The Sikkim government said multiple agencies remained at the site as efforts to locate and evacuate the missing workers continued.
Local reports said a landslide blocked the tunnel entrance and may have triggered a gas leak following the collapse.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to receive updates on the incident and ongoing rescue operations.
Modi assured the state government that the central government would provide all necessary assistance for rescue and relief efforts.
Authorities said specialized rescue teams had been deployed to support the operation and recover those still trapped inside the tunnel.
The government said emergency responders were working around the clock as rescue efforts continued at the site.