At least 22 workers have lost their lives following Monday’s devastating explosion inside an under-construction hydroelectric project tunnel in India’s northeastern state of Sikkim.
The tragic incident occurred at the India’s state-owned National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) project along the Teesta River in Samardung village, where a sudden release of methane trapped within rock formations triggered a massive blast.
The explosion filled the underground structure with dense fumes and toxic gases, trapping 25 workers and officials.
Specialized rescue teams, including personnel from disaster response forces and coal expert units, deployed breathing apparatuses to navigate the hazardous environment. Operations faced continuous setbacks due to waterlogging, structural mud buildup, and treacherous atmospheric conditions.
State authorities confirmed that recovery teams pulled additional victims from the debris, pushing the death toll up to 22 while search efforts continued for the remaining missing individuals.
Environmental experts noted that rapid infrastructure development across the ecologically fragile Himalayan belt frequently exposed workers to severe geological risks and unstable rock strata.
The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) of India has announced financial compensation for the families of the deceased, while the state administration announced a high-level inquiry to investigate the protocol failures and safety measures at the site.
