At least 20 workers have been found dead after a suspected methane gas explosion and collapse at an under-construction tunnel at the NHPC Teesta Stage VI hydroelectric project in Sikkim’s Namchi district. Rescue teams from the NDRF, SDRF, police, fire services, and specialized mining units are still working to locate several others believed to be trapped inside.
What Happened
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon when a portion of the tunnel gave way, followed by a suspected methane gas blast. Around 27 workers were inside at the time; two managed to escape. Rescuers have since pulled out 20 bodies, many in advanced stages of decomposition due to hazardous conditions inside.
Officials say the tunnel is now filled with toxic gas and water, making it unsafe for extended operations. Specialized chemical and gas expert teams from Durgapur and Asansol have been deployed to assist.
Recovery and Rescue Efforts
- 13 bodies identified so far, including workers from West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts, Punjab, Assam, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim.
- Seven to eight more bodies are believed to remain inside, according to rescue supervisors.
- Survival chances are near zero, officials said, given the toxicity and structural damage. Teams are now focused on recovering all bodies before a full inspection of the tunnel.
SIT Ordered, Compensation Announced
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the cause of the explosion and collapse. The state government has also announced ex-gratia compensation for the families of the deceased.
NHPC, the project owner, confirmed the fatalities and said it is cooperating fully with rescue and investigation efforts.
The tragedy has reignited concerns over safety protocols at large infrastructure projects in geologically fragile zones. Labour representatives have raised questions about ventilation, gas monitoring, and emergency evacuation systems at the site.
As families wait for news and recovery operations continue, the incident underscores the human cost behind India’s push for hydropower and tunnel construction in the Himalayas.
