Photo Courtesy: nenow
Gangtok: A methane gas explosion inside the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI tunnel in Sikkim triggered a collapse on Monday, July 20. The blast occurred 1.5 kilometres from the entrance while crews worked to release accumulated gas. The explosion caused an immediate landslide, sealing off sections of the site near Mamring in the Rangpo area. Seven workers are dead, their bodies transported to Singtam District Hospital, STNM Hospital in Gangtok, and Namchi District Hospital.
Confusion surrounds the total number of people trapped. Early estimates ranged from 17 to 25, while Namchi Deputy Commissioner Anupa Tamling later suggested the count could reach 27. She stated, "The figure has been revised based on preliminary verification. The number may still change as authorities continue cross-checking details with company officials and verifying the attendance records of workers present at the site."
Rescue attempts faced immediate setbacks. Personnel from the Rangpo Fire and Emergency Services encountered low oxygen and toxic fumes, forcing a retreat after several rescuers fell ill. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force also struggled to penetrate the debris due to high gas concentrations and structural instability. Other agencies involved in the ongoing effort include the State Disaster Response Force, Sikkim Police, and the Health Department.
Contradictory reports exist regarding the status of the remaining workforce. While some sources claim 16 workers were safely evacuated and treated at the Primary Health Centre in Rangpo, other official reports maintain that a large-scale recovery operation continues. Authorities are now prioritizing improved ventilation to clear the methane before teams can safely search the area. No official final casualty count has been confirmed as the site remains under investigation.
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