Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Sikkim Tunnel Blast Death Toll Rises to 22
There was a big explosion in a tunnel that was being built for a hydroelectric project in Sikkim.
So far, 22 people have died, and 3 are still trapped.
The explosion happened because workers might have hit pockets of gas while digging.
Many teams are working to rescue the trapped people.
The government and the company building the tunnel have promised to help the families of those who died.
The death toll from the Sikkim tunnel blast has risen to 22.
Three people are still believed to be trapped in the tunnel.
The blast occurred in a 7 km under-construction tunnel of the Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project.
Multiple rescue teams, including NDRF and SDRF, are involved in the operation.
The NHPC and West Bengal government have announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased.
- Who
- Workers and high-level personnel from NHPC and Patel Engineering
- What
- A blast inside an under-construction tunnel of a hydroelectric project
- When
- Monday afternoon
- Where
- Namchi district, South Sikkim
- Why
- Likely due to a methane gas explosion caused by workers hitting pockets of trapped gas within the rock layers
Government and NHPC Response
Worker Safety Concerns
Rescue Efforts
Government and NHPC Response
The NHPC and government agencies are making every possible effort to rescue the remaining people and have deployed multiple teams for the operation.
Worker Safety Concerns
Critics argue that more could have been done to prevent the incident and ensure worker safety.
Compensation
Government and NHPC Response
The NHPC and West Bengal government have announced compensation for the families of the deceased.
Worker Safety Concerns
Some argue that financial compensation is insufficient and that more should be done to support the families of the victims.
- Location
- Namchi district, South Sikkim
- Date of Incident
- Monday afternoon
- Number of Deaths
- 22
- Number of Trapped
- 3
- Rescue Teams Involved
- NDRF, SDRF, NHPC, Patel Engineering Limited, Eastern Coalfields Limited, Western Coalfields Limited
- Compensation Announced
- Rs 5 lakh per deceased
- Project Name
- Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project
- Tunnel Length
- 7 km