Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Sikkim Tunnel Blast Toll Rises to 25
A tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district collapsed due to a gas explosion, killing 25 workers.
The tunnel was part of a hydroelectric project.
Rescue teams worked for four days to recover the bodies.
The government and the company involved have provided compensation to the families of the deceased and the injured.
A committee has been formed to investigate the cause of the blast and recommend measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The toll from a tunnel blast in Sikkim's Namchi district has risen to 25.
The tunnel was part of the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project.
The blast was caused by a sudden explosion of trapped methane gas.
Rescue teams recovered the last three bodies on Thursday, ending the search.
The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation and the Sikkim government have provided compensation to the families of the deceased and the injured.
- Who
- Workers involved in the construction of the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project
- What
- A tunnel blast in Sikkim's Namchi district
- When
- The tunnel collapsed on Monday, with the final bodies recovered on Thursday
- Where
- Samardung area, Namchi district, Sikkim
- Why
- Due to a sudden explosion of trapped or embedded suspected methane gas within the rocks
Government and Corporate Response
Public and Worker Safety Concerns
Compensation and Support
Government and Corporate Response
The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation and the Sikkim government have provided compensation to the families of the deceased and the injured.
Public and Worker Safety Concerns
Critics argue that financial compensation is insufficient and that more stringent safety measures are needed to prevent such incidents.
Investigation and Accountability
Government and Corporate Response
A high-level committee has been constituted to investigate the cause of the blast and recommend preventive measures.
Public and Worker Safety Concerns
There are concerns about the effectiveness and transparency of the investigation, with calls for independent oversight.
- Location
- Namchi district, Sikkim
- Project
- Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project
- Cause of Blast
- Sudden explosion of trapped or embedded suspected methane gas within the rocks
- Number of Victims
- 25 deceased, 2 rescued
- Compensation
- Rs 5 lakh from NHPC, Rs 4 lakh from Sikkim government for families of the deceased, Rs 50,000 for injured
- Rescue Teams Involved
- National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, NHPC officials, Mines Rescue Team of Eastern Coalfields Limited Asansol
