Daijiworld Media Network – Namchi
Namchi, Jul 21: Seven workers were killed and 18 others remain trapped inside an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim after a methane gas explosion triggered a landslide, blocking the tunnel entrance and cutting off the escape route.
According to the district administration, a total of 25 workers, including personnel of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), were inside the tunnel when the incident occurred. Seven workers have been confirmed dead, while rescue operations are continuing to evacuate the remaining 18.
The accident took place inside the under-construction tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project in Namchi district. Rescue operations entered their second consecutive day amid extremely challenging conditions.
Officials said the rescue effort has been hampered by the presence of hazardous methane gas, low oxygen levels, poor visibility and the narrow tunnel passage, making it difficult for teams to reach those trapped.
Preliminary findings indicate that methane gas, believed to have naturally accumulated from underground rock formations, had collected around 1.5 km inside the tunnel. An attempt to vent the trapped gas reportedly triggered an explosion, which in turn caused a landslide that blocked a section of the tunnel. While a few workers managed to escape immediately after the blast, several others remained stranded deep inside.
The Namchi district administration received information about the incident at around 3.40 pm on Monday, following which teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), district police and Fire and Emergency Services were rushed to the site.
The first rescue attempt by Fire and Emergency Services had to be called off after rescuers experienced breathing difficulties due to methane gas and low oxygen levels. Several rescue personnel reportedly fell ill during the operation.
A subsequent rescue attempt by NDRF teams also failed to make significant progress because of the hazardous conditions inside the tunnel.
To reinforce the rescue mission, a specialised team equipped with gas-protective equipment was brought in from neighbouring West Bengal. Additional personnel from the NDRF's 2nd Battalion based in Pakyong and Siliguri, along with other emergency response agencies, have also been deployed.
Rescue operations continued through the night under the supervision of the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), with coordinated efforts by the Namchi district administration, NHPC officials, NDRF, SDRF, Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, the Health Department and other line departments.