A major disaster struck the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project in Namchi district. A sudden methane gas explosion caved in an under-construction tunnel at Samardung. Consequently, at least ten workers lost their lives, while fifteen others remain trapped deep underground. State authorities immediately activated full emergency response protocols across the region. Meanwhile, multi-agency teams are working tirelessly to clear debris and restore safe ventilation.
Sikkim Tunnel Collapse Triggers Major Emergency: 10 Dead and 15 Trapped at NHPC Project
NHPC Teesta Stage VI Tunnel Disaster Framework
├──► Incident Location : Samardung, Jholungey (Namchi District)
├──► Project Operator : National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC)
├──► Confirmed Fatality : 10 Workers Deceased
├──► Trapped Personnel : 15 Workers Remaining Underground
└──► Primary Hazard : Methane Blast & Toxic Carbon Monoxide Fumes
Furthermore, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang confirmed that 25 personnel were inside the ADIT-3 tunnel when it caved in. Heavy rainfall and ongoing earth movements continue to destabilize the surrounding mountainous terrain. Thus, rescue workers face life-threatening conditions while trying to reach the remaining survivors.
Hazardous Gas Leaks Severely Hamper NDRF Rescue Operations
Rescue operations faced immediate setbacks due to thick toxic fumes trapped inside the shaft. Preliminary investigations suggest that trapped methane gas in underground rock strata suddenly exploded during venting work. Consequently, the powerful blast generated carbon monoxide gas while triggering massive structural collapses.
Rescuer Safety Hazards inside ADIT-3 Shaft
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- Toxic Gas Accumulation : High Levels of Carbon Monoxide
- Low Oxygen Atmosphere : Rescuers Experienced Blackouts
- Reduced Visibility : Thick Smoke and Fumes Block Vision
- Narrow Tunnel Passages : Limited Heavy Machinery Access
Additionally, several initial fire and emergency workers suffered dizziness and lost consciousness from inhaling toxic fumes. Therefore, specialized teams equipped with breathing apparatus were called in from West Bengal. Furthermore, experts from the Directorate General of Mines Safety arrived to stabilize the underground environment.
| Emergency Indicator | Operational Status & Details |
| Confirmed Casualties | 10 Bodies Recovered (7 Identified, 3 Unidentified) |
| Trapped Workers | 15 Personnel Trapped ~3 km Underground |
| Primary Rescue Forces | NDRF, SDRF, Sikkim Police, & DGMS Teams |
| State Financial Relief | ₹2 Lakh PMNRF Ex-Gratia + ₹50,000 for Injured |
| Emergency Indictor | Operational Status & Details |
| Confirmed Casualties | 10 Bodies Recovered (7 Identified, 3 Unidentified) |
| Trapped Workers | 15 Personnel Trapped ~3 km Underground |
| Primary Rescue Forces | NDRF, SDRF, Sikkim Police, & DGMS Teams |
| State Financial Relief | ₹2 Lakh PMNRF Ex-Gratia + ₹50,000 for Injured |
Victim Identification and Ex-Gratia Financial Relief
Namchi Police officials confirmed that ten bodies were recovered from the collapsed section. Out of the identified victims, four workers hailed from West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district. Meanwhile, individual workers were identified from Assam, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and local areas of Namchi.
Victim Origin Demographics (Identified Personnel)
├──► West Bengal (Jalpaiguri) : 4 Deceased Workers
├──► Assam : 1 Deceased Worker
├──► Punjab : 1 Deceased Worker
├──► Uttarakhand (Dehradun) : 1 Deceased Worker
└──► Sikkim (Namchi Local) : 1 Deceased Worker
Following the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke directly with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. The Central Government announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for families of the deceased. Additionally, injured workers will receive ₹50,000 from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Project Background and Safety Audits Under Scrutiny
The 500 MW Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project operates on a run-of-the-river power generation design. Patel Engineering was executing key tunnel excavation works under NHPC supervision at the site. However, this tragic incident raises severe questions regarding geological risk assessment protocols in fragile Himalayan belts.
Key Parameters of Teesta Stage VI Project
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- Target Capacity : 500 Megawatts (MW) Output
- Annual Generation : ~2,400 Million Units (MUs)
- Tunnel System Span : Two Parallel Tunnels (13.8 km & 13.7 km)
- Commissioning Target: Operational Framework by Late 2029
Consequently, the NHPC top management ordered a comprehensive technical inquiry into the sudden gas explosion. Meanwhile, site engineering teams continue pumping fresh air to dilute dangerous carbon monoxide levels. Ultimately, rescue agencies remain fully committed to evacuating every trapped worker safely.