Sikkim: At least 12 workers have died and 13 others remain missing after a section of an under-construction tunnel collapsed following a suspected methane gas explosion in India’s north-eastern state of Sikkim.
The accident occurred inside a tunnel being built as part of a hydropower project developed by the state-owned National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). The tunnel is designed to channel water from the Teesta River to power plant turbines.
According to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the explosion took place around 1.5 kilometres inside the tunnel. Officials said 27 workers were deployed across different sections of the site when the incident occurred. Two workers managed to escape, while 25 became trapped beneath the collapsed section.
NHPC said the accident was caused by a sudden release of suspected methane gas trapped within underground rock formations. The gas is believed to have ignited, triggering an explosion that filled the tunnel with dense smoke and toxic fumes. The Sikkim government also attributed the incident to methane gas combustion.
Methane is a naturally occurring underground gas that can accumulate in confined spaces during tunnelling. If released and exposed to a spark or ignition source, it can cause a powerful explosion, posing a serious risk to workers in enclosed construction sites.
Rescue teams from the NDRF and other emergency agencies have recovered 12 bodies so far, while efforts continue to locate the remaining 13 workers. Authorities said the search is focused on a 200-metre stretch where the trapped workers are believed to be located.
Superintendent of Police Sonam D. Bhutia confirmed that seven of the victims have been identified. They include one worker from Sikkim and others from the states of West Bengal, Uttarakhand and Assam. Officials said post-mortem examinations will determine the exact cause of death.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has ordered a detailed investigation into the tragedy and announced the formation of a special investigation team to determine the circumstances leading to the explosion. Authorities said appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.
The incident has once again highlighted the safety challenges associated with large-scale infrastructure and tunnelling projects in the Himalayan region, where difficult geological conditions and underground gas pockets can increase construction risks. Rescue operations remain underway as authorities continue efforts to reach the missing workers.
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