Photo Courtesy: nenow
Gangtok: A methane gas explosion triggered a massive landslide inside the under-construction NHPC Teesta Stage-VI hydropower tunnel in Sikkim, killing 10 workers. The disaster occurred at the ADIT-3 tunnel near Samardung, Jholungey, around midday on Monday, July 20. Gas had accumulated 1.5 kilometres deep. An attempt to release the pressure caused the blast. The resulting landslide blocked the exit, trapping 25 people inside.
Rescue operations hit a wall immediately. Rangpo Fire and Emergency Services personnel retreated after inhaling toxic fumes. Several rescuers lost consciousness. National Disaster Response Force teams from Pakyong and Siliguri struggled to enter the site due to unstable ground and low oxygen. A special chemical analysis team has arrived to probe the gas accumulation.
"The figure has been revised based on preliminary verification," Namchi Deputy Commissioner Anupa Tamling said. Officials are cross-checking attendance records to confirm exactly how many remain missing. Ten bodies were recovered and sent to Singtam District Hospital, STNM Hospital, and Namchi District Hospital. Victims include workers from West Bengal, Assam, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and Governor Om Prakash Mathur inspected the site. The Chief Minister ordered a Special Investigation Team to probe the blast. He announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the Chief Minister to offer central support. The PM also sanctioned Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for each deceased worker.
Coordinated efforts continue. The State Disaster Management Authority, Sikkim Police, medical teams from Rangpo Primary Health Centre, and local volunteers are currently working alongside federal agencies. Ventilation remains the priority. Authorities warn the death toll could climb as rescuers fight against persistent rain and dangerous air quality.
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