10 Dead, At Least 15 Feared Trapped After Sikkim NHPC Tunnel Blast

NAMCHI, Sikkim: At least 10 workers have died and 15 others are feared trapped after an explosion ripped through an under-construction hydropower tunnel in Sikkim, officials said. Rescue teams are battling toxic gas and poor visibility as they continue efforts to reach those still missing.

The blast occurred at the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project near Samardung village in Namchi district, a project being developed by state-owned NHPC (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation). Preliminary findings suggest the explosion may have been caused by a sudden release of methane gas trapped within the surrounding rock formations. Authorities, however, said the exact cause will only be determined after a detailed investigation.

According to NHPC, the suspected methane burst set off a powerful explosion that filled the tunnel with dense smoke and toxic fumes, creating hazardous conditions for workers trapped inside the tunnel and the rescue teams conducting the operation. Around 25 workers and officials were reported to be inside the tunnel at the time of the explosion. Ten bodies have been recovered so far, while 15 others remain unaccounted for and are feared trapped underground.

Disaster management personnel, police, firefighters and other emergency agencies have been deployed to the site, but rescue operations remain slow due to poisonous gas, poor visibility and unstable conditions inside the tunnel. Rescuers are using oxygen cylinders, breathing apparatus and specialized protective equipment to navigate the hazardous environment. Officials acknowledged that the chances of survival for those still inside are becoming increasingly uncertain.

NHPC said its senior management has reached the project site to oversee the rescue effort and coordinate with state authorities. The company added that its immediate priority is backing the rescue teams and doing everything possible to locate and evacuate the missing workers safely.

An investigation into the incident has been launched. Preliminary assessments indicate that a methane gas buildup may have been the cause of the explosion, but officials were careful to note that this remains a preliminary finding. Experts are expected to examine the tunnel's conditions, the geology of the area, and the safety protocols that were in place, before determining exactly what went wrong.

The incident has once again highlighted the safety challenges associated with underground infrastructure projects in mountainous regions, where unstable geological conditions and trapped gases can pose significant risks. As rescue operations continue, families of the trapped workers remain anxiously awaiting updates from the site.

Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue and the investigation progresses