Sikkim Tunnel Collapse: Rescuers Resume Search for Remaining Deceased Workers After Gas Explosion
Search and rescue operations at the under-construction NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district resumed on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) after a temporary suspension due to mud and water accumulation inside the tunnel, officials said.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Asansol rescue team resumed operations early in the day, focusing on pumping water out of the tunnel to enable recovery of the remaining bodies.
At least 20 workers were killed when the tunnel collapsed following an explosion of suspected methane gas, officials confirmed. So far, 12 bodies have been retrieved, while eight remain inside.
According to an NHPC statement, a sudden burst of suspected methane gas trapped or embedded in the rocks caused the explosion, generating dense fumes and toxic gases. Medical teams and ambulances remain stationed at the site to provide emergency assistance to rescue personnel.
Once the accumulated water is drained and the site is declared safe, recovery of the remaining bodies will proceed, officials said.
Compensation has been announced for the victims' families. State-run NHPC offered ₹5 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased worker. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced an additional ₹4 lakh ex gratia for each deceased worker's family and ₹50,000 for each injured person. The Prime Minister also announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh for each deceased worker's family and ₹50,000 for each injured person.
