Sikkim Tunnel Tragedy: Death Toll Rises To 20, Efforts On To Rescue 5 Trapped

Namchi: 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. The death toll in the incident rose to 20, while five other workers are still trapped inside the tunnel. 

How did the incident happen?

A tunnel under construction at the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project at Samardung in Sikkim's Namchi district collapsed at 1 pm on Monday due to a suspected methane gas explosion. 

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.

VIDEO | At least 20 workers were killed and five others remained trapped for over 24 hours after a tunnel under construction collapsed in Sikkim's Namchi district following an explosion of suspected methane gas. Rescue operations underway.#SikkimNews #SikkimTunnelCollapse… pic.twitter.com/Z3grBzooyZ

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 22, 2026

What did the police say?

Namchi Superintendent of Police Sonam D Bhutia said that during the relief and rescue operations being carried out by various agencies, 12 bodies have been recovered so far, of which seven have been identified, and efforts are underway to identify the remaining bodies.

What did the Chief Minister say?

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said a special committee would be formed to investigate the cause of the methane gas explosion.

He also said that a special mining rescue team from the neighboring state of West Bengal had arrived at the site to safely evacuate the remaining five workers trapped inside the tunnel. A high-level review meeting was held in Namchi, attended by Chief Secretary Ravindra Telang and Director General of Police Akshay Sachdeva, to discuss the strategy for rescuing the workers. 

Furthermore, the Sikkim Chief Minister announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased workers and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

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.