Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Sikkim Tunnel Collapse: 20 Dead, Five Trapped
A tunnel under construction in Sikkim collapsed due to a suspected methane gas explosion.
Twenty workers were killed, and five others are still trapped.
The Prime Minister and Chief Minister have assured all help and announced compensation for the victims.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams from neighboring states assisting.
The cause of the explosion is being investigated.
A tunnel collapse in Sikkim's Namchi district killed 20 workers and trapped five others.
The collapse was caused by a suspected methane gas explosion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced ex-gratia payments.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with assistance from neighboring states.
A special committee will investigate the cause of the methane gas blast.
- Who
- Workers and project officers at NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project
- What
- Tunnel collapse due to suspected methane gas explosion
- When
- July 21
- Where
- Namchi district, Sikkim
- Why
- Explosion of suspected methane gas trapped in rocks
Government Response
Public Criticism
Government Support
Government Response
The central government has assured all help and announced ex-gratia payments.
Public Criticism
Critics argue the government response was slow and inadequate.
- Date
- July 21
- Location
- Namchi district, Sikkim
- Casualties
- 20 dead, 5 trapped
- Project
- NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project
- Cause
- Suspected methane gas explosion
- Ex-gratia
- Rs 4 lakh per deceased, Rs 50,000 per injured