Rescue teams continued urgent operations after a suspected methane explosion on July 20 at the NHPC Teesta Stage‑VI tunnel in Samardung, South Sikkim. Dense smoke and toxic gases limited rescue teams to short, intermittent entries; 12 bodies have been recovered and 13 workers remain missing. NHPC, NDRF, SDRF and local authorities are coordinating efforts while a high‑level inquiry is being formed to determine the cause.
Methane Blast Kills 12, Leaves 13 Missing at Teesta Stage‑VI Hydropower Tunnel in Sikkim
Members of the rescue team gather by the scene of the explosion in IndiaCredit: AP Photo
On July 20 at 1:04 p.m. local time, a suspected methane gas explosion tore through the under‑construction Head Race Tunnel (HRT) of the NHPC Teesta Stage‑VI Hydroelectric Project in Samardung, South Sikkim. Dense smoke and toxic gases hampered immediate rescue work, and teams continue to race against time to locate workers still unaccounted for.
Casualties and Those Missing
Officials say 12 bodies have been recovered so far and 13 workers remain missing. Reports indicate 27 people were working inside the tunnel when the blast occurred; two escaped immediately, leaving 25 initially trapped. Six power utility staff who entered the tunnel to assist rescue efforts also became trapped.
An ambulance moves through the under-construction tunnelCredit: Government of Sikkim via AP
Cause and Conditions
The state‑owned National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) said investigators believe a sudden release or burst of suspected methane gas trapped within the rock strata generated dense smoke and toxic gases inside the tunnel. Toxic gas levels have forced rescue teams to limit entries to roughly 15 minutes at a time while personnel wear oxygen apparatus.
"Of the 25 people who were trapped, we have recovered 12 bodies so far, and teams are working to locate the 13 other men,"
Superintendent of Police Sonam D Bhutia said.
Rescue Operations
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), NHPC teams and local authorities are coordinating the search and rescue operation. NHPC engineering teams are working around the clock to stabilize the tunnel environment and enable safer, longer access for rescuers. Vivek Kumar of the NDRF told the Associated Press the incident site is about 0.9 miles from the tunnel entrance.
Rescue teams prepare their equipment in IndiaCredit: Government of Sikkim via AP
Official Response and Next Steps
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang visited the scene and announced the state government will form a high‑level inquiry committee to determine the exact cause. In a social media post he offered condolences and pledged support to the victims' families.
NHPC said a detailed investigation will be conducted and that it is providing full support to emergency agencies and affected families as recovery efforts continue.
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