Gangtok: Authorities identified 31-year-old Shyam Oraon as the first victim of the Samardung tunnel collapse in South Sikkim. Oraon, a resident of Tandu Line in Indung Tea Garden, Matiali, died from asphyxiation. Forensic teams at the Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital in Gangtok performed the exam.
Additional Medical Superintendent Dr. Suresh Madan Rasaily reported that the victim suffered burn injuries and trauma from falling debris. "The cause of death was basically asphyxiation. There were also a few injuries along with burn injuries," Dr. Rasaily said. Officials are investigating if methane gas exposure triggered the rapid suffocation.
Recovery teams pulled 13 bodies from the under-construction NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project site. They continue to search for remaining workers. Staff at STNM Hospital are identifying the other victims using tattoos, jewelry, and personal items. DNA testing may follow if physical identification fails.
The hospital maintains adequate storage capacity across multiple facilities. Four of the 12 mortuary beds at STNM are currently under repair. Experts from Namchi District Hospital and the Central Referral Hospital are providing support for the ongoing forensic work. Officials state that final findings on the blast and tunnel collapse require complete technical reports.
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