The death toll in the Sikkim tunnel tragedy has risen to 12, with rescue teams recovering more bodies from the collapsed under-construction tunnel at the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project in Namchi district. Search and rescue operations are continuing as authorities fear several workers remain trapped inside the tunnel following Monday's collapse.
According to officials, the disaster occurred after a suspected methane gas leak triggered an explosion inside the tunnel, leading to a partial collapse that trapped workers and project personnel. Toxic gases, including methane, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide, continue to hamper rescue efforts, forcing National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel to work in short, carefully monitored shifts using breathing apparatus.
The rescue operation involves teams from the NDRF, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Army, police, fire services and NHPC officials. Heavy machinery is being used to clear debris, while engineers are continuously monitoring the structural stability of the tunnel to prevent further collapses. Persistent rainfall in the region has also made the operation more challenging.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has been closely monitoring the rescue efforts and reviewing the situation with district authorities. The state government has assured all possible assistance to the affected families, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced ex gratia compensation for the families of those who lost their lives. Authorities have also ordered an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the explosion and assess whether safety protocols were followed at the project site.
Officials said the priority remains locating the remaining trapped workers despite the hazardous conditions inside the tunnel. Experts have warned that the Himalayan region's fragile geology, combined with underground gas pockets, poses significant risks for large infrastructure projects. Rescue teams continue to work round the clock, hoping to reach those still trapped as the nation watches one of the deadliest industrial disasters in the region in recent years.
