Sikkim Tunnel Disaster: Seven Killed, 18 Feared Trapped After Methane Explosion

Sikkim: The horrific accident that took place in the tunnel of the under-construction NHPC Teesta Stage-6 Hydroelectric Project in Namchi district of Sikkim has created a stir in the entire area. The methane gas explosion led to a landslide inside the tunnel, blocking the entryway with debris. Death of seven workers has been confirmed in this accident, while 18 other workers are still trapped inside the tunnel. To bring them out safely, relief and rescue operations are continuing on a war footing for the second consecutive day.

How did this tragic accident happen?

According to the administration, a total of 25 employees and labourers were present inside the tunnel at the time of the accident, including NHPC employees. An attempt was being made to release the naturally accumulated methane gas about one and a half kilometers inside the tunnel. During this time there was a massive explosion followed by a landslide. Some workers managed to get out immediately after the explosion, but many people were trapped inside.

What difficulties are being faced in the relief operation?

The rescue work remains extremely challenging. Presence of methane gas inside the tunnel, lack of oxygen, low visibility due to smoke and dust and narrow tunnel are becoming major hurdles for the rescue team. Due to poisonous gas, rescue workers are facing a lot of difficulties in reaching inside.

When did the rescue operation start?

The district administration received information about the accident at around 3:40 pm on Monday afternoon. Soon after, teams of NDRF, SDRF, district police, Fire and emergency services reached the spot and relief operations were started.

Why did the first attempts fail?

The initial team of fire and emergency services had difficulty breathing due to lack of oxygen and methane gas inside the tunnel, due to which the operation had to be halted midway. During this period many rescue workers also became unwell. Later the NDRF team also tried to reach inside, but due to dangerous conditions they too could not succeed.

How is the rescue operation going now?

An expert team equipped with special gas-protection equipment has been called from West Bengal to speed up the rescue operation. Apart from this, soldiers of the second battalion of NDRF based in Pakyong and Siliguri have also been deployed on the spot. SDRF, Sikkim Police, Health Department, Fire Service and other agencies are also jointly engaged in the operation.

What did the administration say?

Under the supervision of Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), the district administration and NHPC teams remained engaged in relief work throughout the night. Officials say that the priority is to safely rescue all the workers trapped in the tunnel. The rescue operation is going on continuously and the situation is being monitored every moment.