Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Gangtok: A methane gas explosion inside the under-construction NHPC Teesta Stage-VI tunnel in Sikkim triggered a collapse. At least 17 workers are stuck deep underground. The blast occurred near midday after crews tried to vent gas that had gathered 1.5 kilometres into the tunnel. The resulting landslide blocked the passage and trapped the men.
Workers from the area, including one man from Jholungay in the Samardung region of South Sikkim, remain missing. Rescue teams face a brutal environment. The Rangpo Fire and Emergency Services tried to reach the site but failed. Oxygen levels are dangerously low. Toxic fumes forced several rescuers to retreat after they fell ill.
The National Disaster Response Force also withdrew from the tunnel. Conditions inside are too hazardous for humans. Senior district officials and response units remain on standby at the project site. They are currently working to stabilize the tunnel and improve ventilation before they attempt to re-enter. No trapped workers have been recovered yet. Authorities have not released an official count of casualties, as officials noted the situation remains "one of the most serious accidents" at the hydropower project.
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