Breaking: 10 dead, 17 still trapped in Sikkim tunnel; Rescue operation continues amid heavy rainfall
Babushahi Bureau
Namchi (Sikkim), July 21, 2026: At least 10 bodies have been recovered from a tunnel in Sikkim, while 17 people remain trapped, according to Namchi Superintendent of Police Sonam Dolma.
The SP said around 27 people were initially trapped inside the tunnel. Of the 10 bodies recovered so far, three victims are yet to be identified, while efforts are underway to contact the families of those identified for the handover of the bodies.
Among the deceased identified so far are three from West Bengal, one from Uttarakhand, one from Sikkim, and others from Assam, officials said.
Sonam Dolma said the cause of the incident cannot be confirmed at this stage as a detailed inquiry and expert assessment will be required after the rescue operation is completed.
She added that teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), state agencies, fire services, the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), and the district police are carrying out intensive rescue efforts.
Heavy rainfall since Monday night caused water to accumulate inside the tunnel, significantly hampering rescue operations. The operation resumed after the water was pumped out, and rescue teams continue to search for those still trapped.