Deadly Tunnel Explosion
At least 20 workers have been killed and five remain trapped after a suspected methane gas explosion tore through an under-construction hydroelectric tunnel in India’s northeastern state of Sikkim.
Footage captured on Wednesday shows rescue teams mobilising at the scene as law enforcement officers secure the area and locals gather nearby to watch the operation.
The blast struck the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project near Samardung in Namchi district on Monday. Officials initially reported a landslide, but later said a sudden release of suspected methane triggered the explosion and tunnel collapse.
Workers Describe Blast
“In one of the four phases, methane gas was leaking heavily. We were working with full safety precautions, but the amount of methane was very high. The gas then exploded, causing the incident,” shared Bape Banvan, a tunnel worker.
Following the explosion, workers gathered at an assembly point and began identifying those still missing. Banvan said they tried to re-enter the tunnel but were forced back by dangerously low oxygen levels.
“We could not proceed because of the lack of oxygen. We came out immediately and called the NDRF and SDRF. After that, they started the work,” he explained.
Rescue Efforts Continue
Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force are battling toxic gases, darkness and water inside the tunnel.
“The explosion created difficulties for the rescue operation. Water and sludge began flowing from the tunnel face, preventing us from moving forward. There was also no electricity,” Banvan added.
Specialist crews are reportedly working in rotations of just 10 to 15 minutes as unstable conditions make every attempt to move deeper underground to reach those still trapped increasingly dangerous.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has announced compensation for the victims’ families, while additional resources have been deployed to support the ongoing rescue effort.
Article by Viory
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