First victim identified in Sikkim tunnel tragedy; post-mortem reveals death by asphyxiation

The first victim of the Samardung tunnel tragedy in Sikkim has been identified as Shyam Oraon (31), a resident of Tandu Line in Indung Tea Garden, Matiali, as forensic examinations continue at Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial (STNM) Hospital in Gangtok.

Hospital authorities said four bodies recovered from the accident site were brought to STNM Hospital for post-mortem examination and identification. Of these, only one body has been formally identified so far, while efforts are underway to establish the identities of the remaining three with the help of family members and acquaintances.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, STNM Hospital spokesperson and Additional Medical Superintendent Dr Suresh Madan Rasaily said the post-mortem examination of the identified victim had been completed.

"The cause of death was basically asphyxiation. There were also a few injuries along with burn injuries," Dr Rasaily said.

He said identification of the remaining bodies is being carried out using distinguishing features such as tattoos, rings, chains and metal bangles with assistance from relatives and people familiar with the victims.

"If nobody is able to identify the bodies, ultimately DNA testing may be required," he added.

Dr Rasaily said portions of the recovered bodies showed signs of charring, but it was too early to determine the precise nature and extent of the burns until all post-mortem examinations were completed.

"There were burn injuries. We will have to study the detailed post-mortem reports after all examinations are over to determine whether the burns were caused by fire or something else," he said.

Commenting on reports of methane gas inside the tunnel, the doctor said exposure to such conditions could lead to rapid suffocation.

"Methane gas does not give you much time to survive. You can go into asphyxiation very fast, within one to three minutes," he said.

He also said forensic experts found external injuries on the victim's body that were likely caused by falling debris or the tunnel collapse.

According to preliminary forensic findings, the injuries are consistent with flash burns, blast-related trauma and asphyxia, although officials stressed that the exact sequence of events leading to the tragedy would only be established after detailed forensic and technical investigations are completed.

Hospital authorities said identifying the bodies remains a priority, as it is a prerequisite for completing legal formalities and disbursing compensation to the victims' families.

Dr Rasaily said STNM Hospital currently has 12 mortuary beds, although four are temporarily non-functional due to repairs. Additional mortuary facilities are available at Namchi District Hospital and the Central Referral Hospital (CRH), taking the combined storage capacity to around 20 bodies.

The tunnel tragedy occurred at the under-construction NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project in South Sikkim. Rescue operations are continuing, with 13 bodies recovered so far, while efforts remain underway to locate the remaining trapped workers.