TunnelCollapse – Sikkim Tunnel Tragedy Death Toll Climbs as Search Enters Final Stage
TunnelCollapse – Rescue teams recovered more victims on Thursday, pushing the death toll in the Sikkim tunnel collapse to 22, while efforts remain underway to locate the three workers who are still missing beneath the debris.
The number of fatalities in the tunnel collapse at the under-construction NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project in Sikkim’s Namchi district has increased to 22 after additional bodies were recovered during an ongoing search operation. The accident occurred on Monday when an explosion, believed to have been caused by methane gas trapped inside the rock formation, led to the collapse of a section of the tunnel. At the time of the incident, 25 workers were inside the tunnel, leaving rescue teams racing against time to find the remaining missing workers.
Rescue teams continue intensive search
Authorities said specialised rescue personnel, supported by multiple government agencies, remain engaged in the operation to reach the last three workers believed to be trapped inside the collapsed section. The challenging conditions inside the tunnel have made the rescue effort complex, but officials stated that teams are working in close coordination to ensure every possible area is searched carefully.
The state administration has continued to monitor developments at the accident site while maintaining constant communication with rescue personnel. Officials said all available resources are being used to support the operation and assist the affected families during this difficult period.
Identification of victims underway
According to officials, eight of the recovered bodies had been identified by Wednesday. Among them, four workers belonged to Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal, while one victim each was from Punjab, Uttarakhand, Assam and Sikkim. Authorities are continuing the identification process for the remaining victims with the assistance of local administrations and family members.
Officials also confirmed that several workers from Jharkhand, including those from Khunti, Hazaribag and West Singhbhum districts, were employed at the hydropower project. The administration is coordinating with their respective state authorities to provide necessary assistance and facilitate communication with relatives.
Financial assistance announced for affected families
Following the tragedy, NHPC announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of every worker who lost their life in the accident. The company said the compensation is intended to provide immediate financial support to bereaved families.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang also declared financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh for each deceased worker’s family. In addition, injured workers will receive Rs 50,000 from the state government to help with their treatment and recovery.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced separate relief from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Under this package, the families of those who died will receive Rs 2 lakh each, while every injured worker will be provided Rs 50,000 as financial assistance.
Methane gas suspected behind the explosion
An official statement issued by NHPC indicated that the incident was likely caused by a sudden release of methane gas trapped within the surrounding rock. The gas is believed to have ignited, resulting in an explosion that filled the tunnel with dense smoke and toxic fumes before triggering the collapse.
Investigators are expected to examine the exact sequence of events and determine whether additional safety measures are required for similar infrastructure projects in the future. Meanwhile, rescue operations remain the top priority as authorities continue efforts to locate the remaining missing workers and bring closure to their families.