Tunnel Collapse in Sikkim Claims 12 Lives, 13 Workers Still Missing
Rescue operation continues at the collapsed tunnel near Namchi, Sikkim.
By Abhishek Dey | Published
At least 12 workers died when a section of an under‑construction tunnel collapsed after a methane gas explosion in Sikkim’s Namchi district.
Rescue teams are still hunting for 13 men who were reportedly trapped inside the tunnel, which is a part of a larger water‑to‑hydropower project by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation.
The collapse occurred about 1.5 km (~0.9 mi) into the tunnel. Officials say a sudden burst of trapped methane ignited, driving a powerful explosion that seared the tunnel walls and filled the chamber with toxic fumes.
Of the 27 workers inside, two escaped unharmed but 25 were trapped; 12 bodies have been recovered so far while investigations into the fate of the remaining 13 continue.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has set up a special inquiry to determine the cause and the safety lapses that led to the disaster, promising swift action based on investigative findings.
Authorities are conducting post‑mortem examinations to ascertain the cause of death for the recovered victims. Rescue operations focus on a 200‑metre search zone where the remaining workers are likely to be found.
