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6 sources·Started 8d ago·Updated 7d ago
Sikkim tunnel blast kills at least 9, leaves 17 missing
SikkimNHPCTeesta RiverSamardungGangtokNamchiNational Disaster Response ForcePrem Singh Tamang
Sources
6outlets
APCNAJDWTH
Coverage
23articles
A suspected gas explosion triggered a tunnel collapse at an under-construction hydropower project in Sikkim, India, killing at least 9 to 10 people and leaving 17 others missing, officials reported on Tuesday. The blast occurred Monday at the NHPC's 500-megawatt Teesta project in Samardung village, near the Chinese border.
What happened
Survivors described hearing a loud explosion before debris trapped workers inside. The NHPC stated that a sudden burst of methane trapped in rock caused the blast Source: DW, Al Jazeera. Six NHPC officials who entered to help also became trapped Source: AP, SCMP. Authorities recovered 9–10 bodies; while most sources report 10 dead, the CNA cites 9 Source: AP, SCMP, CNA. The number of missing varies between 15 and 17.
Rescue efforts
Rescue teams from the NDRF and local agencies face hazardous conditions due to toxic gases. "We found toxic gases such as methane, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide inside the tunnel," said NDRF official Nitin Kumar Source: AP. Rescuers use specialized breathing equipment. Authorities are verifying worker attendance records to confirm the exact number trapped Source: The Hindu.
Broader context
Accidents are common in India's Himalayan region due to fragile geology and rapid infrastructure development. In 2023, a Uttarakhand tunnel collapse trapped 41 workers for 17 days. Experts note the Teesta basin lies in a seismically active zone with rock formations that can trap ancient gases Source: AP, Al Jazeera.
Story timeline · 4 earlier headlines
- Tunnel collapse in Sikkim: multiple dead, workers trapped7d ago · 3 sources
- Tunnel collapse at Indian hydropower project kills 10, leaves many trapped7d ago · 5 sources
- Tunnel collapse at Indian hydropower project kills 10, dozens missing7d ago · 4 sources
- At least 10 dead, 17 missing in Sikkim tunnel explosion7d ago · 6 sources
- Sikkim tunnel blast kills at least 9, leaves 17 missingcurrent
Sources
6 quotesAP↗
“"We have recovered 10 bodies so far and 17 others are feared trapped," local police chief Sonam Dolma told reporters.”
CNA↗
“"Nine bodies have been recovered," Rajiv Roka, director of the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, told AFP.”
Al Jazeera↗
“NHPC said in a statement that a sudden burst of gas suspected to be methane trapped or embedded in rocks in the tunnel caused the blast.”
AP↗
“"We found toxic gases such as methane, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide inside the tunnel," NDRF official Nitin Kumar told reporters.”
DW↗
“The NHPC said that "a sudden burst of gas suspected to be methane trapped or embedded in rocks in the tunnel caused an explosion, dispersing fumes and toxic gas."”
The Hindu↗
“Officials said the explosion occurred in the afternoon during efforts to release methane gas that reportedly accumulated in a section of the ADIT-3 tunnel about 1.5 km from the entrance.”