- Ten workers killed and 15 remain trapped after a methane gas explosion in a tunnel in Sikkim.
- Landslide blocks the tunnel entrance, complicating rescue operations.
- NDRF, SDRF and specialised gas-equipped teams deployed amid hazardous conditions.
- PM Narendra Modi speaks to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, assures all possible assistance.
GG News Bureau
Gangtok, 21st July: At least 10 workers were killed and 15 others remained trapped after a methane gas explosion inside an under-construction tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project triggered a landslide in Sikkim’s Namchi district, officials said on Tuesday.
The explosion occurred around 1.5 kilometres inside the tunnel, where methane gas is believed to have accumulated naturally. Officials said an attempt to vent the trapped gas reportedly triggered the blast, causing a landslide that blocked the tunnel entrance and cut off the workers’ escape route.
A total of 25 workers, including NHPC personnel, were inside the tunnel at the time of the incident. While some managed to escape immediately after the explosion, 10 workers were confirmed dead and rescue teams continued efforts to reach the 15 workers still trapped.
Rescue operations entered their second day amid extremely challenging conditions. Authorities said high concentrations of methane gas, low oxygen levels, poor visibility and the narrow tunnel passage have severely hampered rescue efforts.
The district administration received information about the incident at around 3.40 pm on Monday, following which teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services and other agencies rushed to the site.
An initial rescue attempt by Fire and Emergency Services had to be called off after rescuers experienced breathing difficulties due to toxic gas and oxygen deficiency inside the tunnel. Several rescue personnel reportedly fell ill during the operation. A subsequent attempt by NDRF teams also failed to make significant progress because of the hazardous environment.
To strengthen the operation, a specialised rescue team equipped with gas-protective equipment was brought in from West Bengal. Additional NDRF personnel from Pakyong and Siliguri, along with officials from the Health Department and other agencies, have also been deployed under the supervision of the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke with Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to review the rescue operations. According to the Chief Minister, the Prime Minister expressed concern for the trapped workers and bereaved families and assured all possible assistance from the Centre.
Among the deceased identified so far are Bolo Oraon, Gora Oraon and Bikesar Oraon from West Bengal, Babul Borodalai and Lakpa Dorjee Tamang from Assam, Yasohal from Punjab and Vikey Rawat from Uttarakhand. The identities of the remaining three victims are yet to be established.
Authorities said rescue operations will continue until all the trapped workers are evacuated.
