Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Sikkim Tunnel Collapse: Rescue Teams Resume Recovery Efforts
A tunnel under construction in Sikkim collapsed due to a suspected methane gas explosion, killing at least 20 workers.
Rescue teams, including the NDRF and Asansol rescue team, resumed operations to pump out water and recover the remaining bodies.
The government has announced financial compensation for the families of the deceased and injured workers.
The Chief Minister and the Prime Minister have provided ex gratia payments to support the affected families.
A tunnel collapse in Sikkim's Namchi district killed at least 20 workers due to a suspected methane gas explosion.
Rescue teams resumed operations to pump out water and recover the remaining bodies.
12 bodies have been retrieved so far.
The government announced Rs 4 lakh ex gratia for the next of kin of deceased workers and Rs 50,000 for injured workers.
The Prime Minister also announced an additional Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased.
- Who
- Workers at the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project tunnel
- What
- Tunnel collapse due to suspected methane gas explosion
- When
- Rescue operations resumed on Wednesday
- Where
- Namchi district, Sikkim
- Why
- To recover remaining bodies and ensure site safety
Government Response
Worker Safety Concerns
Financial Compensation
Government Response
The government has announced ex gratia payments of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of deceased workers and Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister, along with Rs 50,000 for injured workers.
Worker Safety Concerns
While the compensation is appreciated, there are concerns about the adequacy of the financial support and the need for better safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
- Location
- Namchi district, Sikkim
- Project
- NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project tunnel
- Casualties
- 20 workers killed
- Bodies Recovered
- 12
- Cause of Collapse
- Suspected methane gas explosion
- Rescue Teams
- NDRF and Asansol rescue team
- Compensation
- Rs 4 lakh per deceased worker, Rs 2 lakh from PM, Rs 50,000 per injured worker