The bodies of 22 people have been recovered from the collapsed tunnel at the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project, with search and recovery operations continuing to locate the remaining victims.
The multi-agency rescue operation continued late into the night under difficult conditions, with officials stating that rescue personnel worked relentlessly until midnight despite the hazardous environment inside the tunnel.
At around 10 pm, a second rescue team from Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), Asansol, arrived at the site and was immediately deployed to strengthen the ongoing operation. The team joined other specialised rescue units already engaged in the search and recovery efforts.
Authorities said the operation remains underway, with teams working in close coordination and using specialised equipment and technical expertise suited for confined underground conditions to recover the remaining victims.
The Sikkim government, the district administration and other concerned agencies are closely monitoring the situation while coordinating the rescue mission. Officials said every possible assistance is being extended to both the rescue personnel and the families of those affected by the tragedy.
Rescue operations will continue until all the remaining victims are located and recovered.
