Kolkata, July 21 — West Bengal Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, on Tuesday expressed concern over the tragic tunnel collapse in neighbouring Sikkim and assured all cooperation to the Sikkim government.
In a X post, Adhikari said, "Deeply pained and concerned by the tragic tunnel collapse at the under-construction site of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project at Samardung; Jholungey, in Namchi District of Sikkim."
At least 10 people were killed while several others remained trapped after an under-construction tunnel of the NHPC’s Teesta State VI hydroelectric project collapsed in Sikkim’s Namchi district on Monday.
Following the tragic incident, the West Bengal Chief Minister informed that he spoke with his counterpart in Sikkim over phone to take stock of the situation. He also said that some of the affected workers may hail from West Bengal.
"I have spoken personally with the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri Prem Singh Tamang Ji over the telephone to take stock of the situation. We are closely monitoring the developments, as there is a strong possibility that some of the affected workers belong to our Jalpaiguri district," said Adhikari.
He informed that state Minister Bishal Lama and the District Magistrate of Darjeeling are personally rushing to the site of the incident to ensure immediate assistance and on-ground coordination.
"Furthermore, our Home Secretary is in constant touch with the Sikkim Administration and is continuously getting updated regarding the rescue operations. I have assured the Hon'ble Sikkim Chief Minister of all possible cooperation and support from the Government of West Bengal during this difficult hour," said Adhikari.
The Chief Minister added, "My thoughts are with the families of the victims. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and the safe rescue of all those who are still trapped."
According to reports, a methane gas explosion triggered the tragedy at the tunnel at Samardung in Namchi district's Jholungey area. Search-and-rescue operations to evacuate the remaining trapped workers are on.