Rescue teams battle toxic fumes as search operation continues in Sikkim
GANGTOK: At least 10 people were killed and 15 others were feared trapped after an explosion inside a tunnel at a hydroelectric project in India’s northeastern state of Sikkim, authorities said on Tuesday.
According to officials, the blast was likely triggered by a suspected methane gas leak inside the tunnel, releasing dense fumes and toxic gases that complicated rescue efforts. The incident occurred on Monday at the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation’s (NHPC) project on the Teesta River in Samardung village.
District official Subash Ghimirey confirmed the location of the accident, while NHPC said a sudden burst of gas trapped within the tunnel’s rock formation is believed to have caused the explosion.
Rescue efforts face major obstacles
Emergency teams continued searching for survivors on Tuesday despite hazardous conditions inside the tunnel. State disaster management official Rajiv Roka said the chances of finding the trapped workers alive were “slim” because rescuers were struggling to operate in an environment filled with toxic fumes.
NHPC said a total of 25 workers and project officials had initially been trapped inside the tunnel. The figure includes the 10 people whose bodies have already been recovered, leaving 15 individuals still unaccounted for.
Authorities have deployed specialised rescue personnel equipped with oxygen cylinders and protective gear to support the operation.
Emergency response continues
Images released by the Sikkim government showed rescue workers wearing orange protective suits as they unloaded oxygen cylinders, ropes and other emergency equipment before entering the disaster zone.
Officials have not confirmed the identities of the victims or those still missing, while rescue teams continue working to access the affected section of the tunnel safely.
Meanwhile, authorities are expected to investigate the exact cause of the gas buildup and the subsequent explosion once rescue operations conclude. The incident has renewed attention on workplace safety measures at large infrastructure projects, particularly those involving underground construction in geologically challenging regions.
Rescue operations remained ongoing at the time of reporting, and officials said casualty figures could change as emergency crews continue their search inside the tunnel.
