Namchi(Sikkim), July 22: At least 20 workers were killed, and five others remain trapped after a suspected methane gas explosion caused a collapse inside the under-construction Head Race Tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project at Samardung in Sikkim’s Namchi district.
The incident occurred when a sudden burst of suspected methane gas trapped inside rock formations triggered an explosion, filling the tunnel with dense fumes and toxic gases. A total of 25 people, including project officers, were trapped inside the ADIT-3 tunnel of the Teesta Stage VI project. f6d6
Namchi Superintendent of Police Sonam D Bhutia confirmed that 20 people have died, and bodies of 12 have been recovered so far. Seven bodies have been identified, including four workers from Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, and one each from Assam, Punjab, Dehradun in Uttarakhand and Namchi.
Rescue operations have been severely hampered by continuous gas leakage, low oxygen levels, poor visibility and debris blocking the entrance. Teams from NDRF, SDRF, Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, NHPC and the district administration are on site. A specialized mining rescue team with gas-proof equipment has also arrived from West Bengal to assist.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang visited the site and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased worker and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the CM and assured all central assistance and announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for families of the dead and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to the CM to review the operations.
NHPC said emergency protocols were activated immediately, and a detailed investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the accident. The Chief Minister has ordered the formation of a special committee to probe the methane gas blast.
The 7- km tunnel is being built by Patel Engineering Ltd as part of the Teesta Stage VI project. Officials said 21 workers of Patel Engineering and six of NHPC were among those trapped.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as search teams work to reach the remaining five trapped workers amid hazardous underground conditions.
