Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Sikkim Tunnel Collapse Death Toll Rises to 20
A tunnel collapse at the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project in Sikkim has resulted in the deaths of 20 workers.
The explosion, suspected to be caused by methane, trapped 25 workers inside the tunnel.
Rescue operations are ongoing, but the presence of toxic gases and water accumulation is hampering efforts.
The government has formed a Special Investigation Team and provided financial aid to the victims' families.
Leaders have expressed condolences and are monitoring the situation closely.
20 workers have died in a tunnel collapse at the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project in Sikkim.
25 workers were trapped in the tunnel, with 16 escaping and 13 identified among the deceased.
The explosion is suspected to have been caused by a methane burst within the rock strata.
Rescue operations are ongoing but are hampered by toxic gases and water accumulation.
The government has formed a Special Investigation Team and provided financial aid to the victims' families.
- Who
- Workers at the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project
- What
- Tunnel collapse due to a suspected methane explosion
- When
- Monday afternoon
- Where
- Samardung-Jholungey, Namchi district, Sikkim
- Why
- Methane burst within the rock strata
Government Response
Public Concerns
Investigation and Support
Government Response
The government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and provided financial aid to victims' families.
Public Concerns
Public concerns focus on the safety measures and the cause of the explosion.
- Location
- Samardung-Jholungey, Namchi district, Sikkim
- Project
- NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project
- Total Workers Trapped
- 25
- Death Toll
- 20
- Identified Victims
- 13
- Suspected Cause
- Methane explosion
- Government Aid
- Rs 2 lakh per deceased, Rs 50,000 per injured
- Chief Minister's Aid
- Rs 4 lakh per deceased
Sources
Death toll in Sikkim tunnel collapse rises to 20 as search for trapped workers continues
11 bodies out, 8 more spotted: Sikkim tunnel tragedy sends Bengal's Dooars into mourning
Sikkim Tunnel Collapse: 20 Workers Dead, Efforts on to Rescue Five Trapped - What Led To The Explosion?
Death toll in Sikkim NHPC tunnel collapse climbs to 12
Sikkim tunnel collapse: Body of one more worker recovered; 13 retrieved so far out of 20
Sikkim NHPC tunnel collapse: 22 bodies recovered, search on for 3 trapped
