Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Methane Gas Leak Causes Sikkim Tunnel Collapse
A big tunnel in Sikkim, India, collapsed because of a methane gas explosion.
This happened while workers were digging the tunnel.
Ten people died, twelve were saved, and eighteen are still stuck inside.
The gas spread quickly, making it hard for rescuers to help.
This is not the first time this happened; there was a smaller gas leak four months ago.
The workers come from different parts of India.
Teams are working to rescue the remaining workers.
A methane gas explosion during excavation work caused the Sikkim tunnel collapse.
Ten workers died, twelve were rescued, and eighteen are still trapped.
The incident occurred in the Samardung tunnel, part of the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project.
Rescue operations are hampered by high concentrations of methane gas.
This is the second methane gas leak incident in the tunnel within four months.
- Who
- Workers from Jharkhand, Assam, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir
- What
- Methane gas explosion and leak during tunnel excavation
- When
- Monday at 3:09 pm
- Where
- Samardung tunnel, south Sikkim
- Why
- Methane gas explosion during excavation work
Initial Landslide Report
Methane Gas Explosion
Cause of Incident
Initial Landslide Report
Initial reports suggested a landslide caused the tunnel collapse.
Methane Gas Explosion
Sources indicate a methane gas explosion during excavation work triggered the collapse.
- Date of Incident
- Monday, 3:09 pm
- Location
- Samardung tunnel, south Sikkim
- Project
- Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project
- Contractor
- Patel Engineering
- Casualties
- 10 dead, 12 rescued, 18 still trapped
- Rescue Teams
- NDRF, SDRF, Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services