NAMCHI: A massive industrial tragedy has struck the northeastern state of Sikkim, as a severe methane gas explosion triggered a deadly landslide and tunnel collapse inside a major hydroelectric project. At least 10 people have been confirmed dead, while approximately 15 others remain desperately trapped deep underground in the Namchi district.
The Methane Blast at Teesta Stage-VI
The catastrophic incident occurred on Monday afternoon at the under-construction tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project, located near Samardung in the Jholungey area. According to official statements released by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), the disaster was initiated by a sudden burst of suspected methane gas that was trapped and embedded deep inside the surrounding rocks. This unexpected geological release led to a powerful explosion that generated dense fumes and highly toxic gases throughout the shaft.
The explosion reportedly occurred while workers were attempting to release accumulated methane gas in a section of the ADIT-3 tunnel, situated roughly 1.5 kilometers from the main entrance. At the time of the blast, between 25 and 38 individuals, including high-ranking officials from both NHPC and the project developer Patel Engineering, were inside conducting a routine inspection. The resulting shockwave triggered a massive landslide that entirely blocked the tunnel’s exit, sealing the workers inside.
Rescue Operations Hampered by Severe Weather
Emergency response teams immediately sprang into action, managing to rescue 16 individuals from the hazardous environment. However, Namchi District Superintendent of Police Sonam Dolma Bhutia confirmed that 15 people are still trapped approximately 3 kilometers underground. A massive, multi-agency rescue operation is currently underway, involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and specialized medical teams.
Despite their tireless efforts, the search and rescue mission is facing immense difficulties. Continuous heavy rainfall across the region is actively destabilizing the mountainous terrain, raising the risk of further landslides. Additionally, the suspected presence of lingering toxic gas leaks inside the collapsed shaft has severely complicated the operation, resulting in injuries to several rescue personnel working in the hazardous conditions. To counter this, a special rescue team from the Directorate General Mines Safety has been deployed to the site to assist in stabilizing the internal tunnel environment.
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Government Response and Ex-Gratia Relief
The tragedy has drawn immediate attention from the highest levels of government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally contacted Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to inquire about the grim situation and assure the state of comprehensive central assistance. Chief Minister Tamang publicly expressed his profound grief over the fatalities and urged the public to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified rumors during this crisis. He firmly directed all concerned local authorities to extend every possible resource to expedite the rescue efforts while strictly maintaining safety standards for the emergency crews. The NHPC has also committed to thoroughly investigating the structural and safety failures that led to this catastrophic event.