Sikkim Tunnel Collapse: 20 Workers Dead As Rescue Teams Race To Save 5 Still Trapped Inside
Sikkim Tunnel Collapse: 20 Workers Dead As Rescue Teams Race To Save 5 Still Trapped Inside Published By, Last Updated: July 22, 2026, 00:35 IST
Sikkim Tunnel Collapse: 20 Workers Dead As Rescue Teams Race To Save 5 Still Trapped Inside Published By, Last Updated: July 22, 2026, 00:35 IST Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who visited the site, said a special committee would be formed to investigate the cause of the collapse. Resuce operation underway after a collapse inside the under-construction NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project tunnel, in Namchi. (PTI photo) At least 20 workers have been confirmed dead and five others remain trapped inside a collapsed tunnel in Sikkim’s Namchi district, more than 24 hours after an explosion suspected to have been caused by methane gas triggered the disaster. A total of 25 workers, including some project officials, were trapped inside the under-construction tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project at Samardung after the collapse on Monday afternoon. “Out of those 25 trapped inside the tunnel, 20 are confirmed dead," Namchi Superintendent of Police Sonam D Bhutia said on Tuesday. She added that rescue teams have recovered 12 bodies so far, with seven of them identified.
Efforts are continuing to identify the remaining victims. Rescue Teams Battle Toxic Conditions Multiple agencies are involved in the search operation, with teams working to reach the five workers still trapped inside the tunnel. A special mining rescue team from neighbouring West Bengal has also arrived to assist in the operation. According to NHPC, a sudden burst of suspected methane gas trapped inside the rocks caused an explosion, leading to dense fumes and toxic gases inside the tunnel. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who visited the site, said a special committee would be formed to investigate the cause of the methane gas blast and the subsequent collapse. Govt Announces Compensation Tamang announced an e gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh for the families of each worker who died in the collapse and Rs 50,000 for every injured person. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the chief minister and assured him of full support from the central government. He also announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
A high-level review meeting was held in Namchi under Chief Secretary Ravindra Telang, with officials from the district administration, rescue agencies, NHPC Ltd, West Bengal administration and Patel Engineering Ltd taking part. Authorities directed the Namchi district administration to establish a dedicated mechanism at Rangpo for the identification of the deceased and to ensure that all support is extended to the affected families, particularly those from other states, during this difficult time. (With inputs from PTI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What caused the methane gas to accumulate in the tunnel? A suspected methane buildup and subsequent explosion triggered the landslide that blocked the tunnel. An accumulated pocket of methane gas exploded roughly 1.5 kilometers inside the Samardung tunnel. Will safety protocols change for future tunnel constructions? A special committee will be formed to investigate the cause of the collapse and the methane gas blast. International tunnel safety guidelines emphasize continuous gas monitoring throughout excavation due to potential changes in geological conditions.
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