Namchi, July 22: The death toll from the tunnel collapse at the under-construction NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project in Sikkim’s Namchi district has risen to at least 20.

The rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate the remaining workers trapped inside in which at least 8 more victims including laborers and technicians are feared to be trapped under the debris.

According to sources, at least 27 people were working inside the tunnel who were caught in the cave-in triggered by an explosion on Monday afternoon.

While only two of the workforces managed to escape the tunnel, while the others were buried under the debris.

Authorities said 20 bodies have been recovered so far, with 13 victims identified. Among those identified are nine people from Jalpaiguri district and two from Alipurduar district. One of the deceased was from Punjab and another from Sikkim.

One of the missing workers, Anish Mohan, 43, is a geologist from Kerala, said sources.

Coordinated operations are underway at the spot to find out clues regarding other missing persons among the people, executing the project.