Archive · 24 Jul 2026
25 Workers Dead in Sikkim Tunnel Tragedy
A tragic accident happened in a tunnel in Sikkim, India.
Twenty-five workers were trapped inside the tunnel when a gas explosion occurred.
The rescue teams worked for four days to find all the workers, but unfortunately, none survived.
The workers were from different states, including Bengal and Sikkim.
The government and the company have promised to give money to the families of the workers.
They are also investigating what caused the accident to prevent it from happening again.
All 25 workers trapped in an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim were found dead after a four-day rescue operation.
The workers were from Bengal and other states, including Sikkim.
A suspected methane gas explosion caused the tragedy, generating toxic gases and hampering rescue efforts.
NHPC and the Sikkim government announced compensation of ₹9 lakh each to the families of the deceased workers.
A high-level inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the cause of the tragedy and review safety protocols.
- Who
- 25 workers trapped in an under-construction tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI hydroelectric project in Sikkim’s Namchi district
- What
- All 25 workers were found dead due to a suspected methane gas explosion
- When
- The incident occurred on July 20, with the last body recovered on July 24
- Where
- Samardung, Namchi district, Sikkim
- Why
- A sudden burst of suspected methane gas trapped inside the rocks led to an explosion, generating dense fumes and toxic gases
Government and NHPC Response
Worker Safety Concerns
Compensation
Government and NHPC Response
NHPC and Sikkim government have announced compensation of ₹9 lakh each to the families of the deceased workers.
Worker Safety Concerns
Critics argue that compensation cannot replace the loss of lives and demand stricter safety measures.
Safety Protocols
Government and NHPC Response
The government has formed a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the cause of the tragedy and review safety protocols.
Worker Safety Concerns
Workers' families and safety experts question the effectiveness of existing safety measures and demand immediate reforms.
- Location
- Samardung, Namchi district, Sikkim
- Date of Incident
- July 20
- Number of Workers Trapped
- 25
- Workers from Bengal
- 11
- Workers from Other States
- 14
- Compensation Announced
- ₹9 lakh per family
- Inquiry Committee
- Four-member high-level committee headed by IG of Police (Law and Order) Tashi Wangyal