10 Killed in Methane Gas Blast at NHPC Tunnel in Sikkim; Rescue Operations Continue
At least 10 workers were killed after a methane gas explosion at an under-construction NHPC tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district. Several others are feared trapped as rescue teams continue operations at the partially damaged Teesta Stage VI hydroelectric project site.
Namchi, Sikkim: At least 10 people lost their lives after a methane gas explosion at an under-construction tunnel of the NHPC's Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project in Samardung, located in the Jholungey area of Namchi district, on Monday.
According to initial reports, the blast occurred when a pocket of methane gas trapped inside the rock formations suddenly burst, triggering an explosion inside the tunnel. The incident caused the tunnel to be partially damaged, leaving several workers trapped.
In an official statement, the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) said the accident was caused by a "sudden burst of suspected methane gas trapped or embedded inside the rocks, leading to an explosion that generated dense fumes and toxic gas."
Emergency response teams, including local authorities and disaster management personnel, immediately launched rescue operations. Efforts are underway to locate and rescue those who remain trapped inside the tunnel.
The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment, while officials continue to assess the extent of the damage and monitor safety conditions at the project site.
Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the methane gas accumulation and whether all required safety protocols were followed before the incident.
Further details are awaited as rescue operations continue.