Sikkim NHPC tunnel collapse: 22 bodies recovered, search on for 3 trapped
The Sikkim NHPC tunnel collapse has claimed 22 lives as rescue teams work tirelessly to locate three additional workers believed to be trapped inside the
Sikkim NHPC Tunnel Collapse: Rescue Efforts Continue for Trapped Workers
Theindiapostdaily.com – The Sikkim NHPC tunnel collapse has claimed 22 lives as rescue teams work tirelessly to locate three additional workers believed to be trapped inside the under-construction tunnel in Namchi district. The tragic incident unfolded on Monday within the seven-kilometer-long head race tunnel (HRT) of the Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project, where a pocket of methane gas trapped in the rock strata reportedly burst, causing an explosion that produced intense heat, flames, and toxic fumes. By Wednesday, authorities confirmed the rising death toll while emphasizing that search operations remain ongoing around the clock.
According to Namchi Superintendent of Police Sonam Doma Bhutia, rescue teams have successfully retrieved 22 bodies so far. “If there were 25 people inside the tunnel, then around three are still inside. The rescue operation is going on 24×7,” she explained to The Indian Express. The Sikkim NHPC tunnel collapse has mobilized numerous agencies, with personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sikkim Police, Army, district administration, NHPC, Patel Engineering Ltd, Eastern Coalfields Ltd, and Western Coalfields Ltd all participating in the recovery efforts.
Challenging Conditions Hinder Rescue Operations
Rescuers face significant obstacles as large sections of the tunnel remain inundated with mud and water. Toxic fumes have forced teams to wear breathing apparatus while navigating through the damaged tunnel. Abhijit Kundu, Superintendent at Eastern Coalfields Ltd, shared his concerns with reporters: “We are trying to retrieve the visible bodies. At this stage, we do not know how many more are trapped deeper inside. Our priority is recovering the bodies we can see, but accumulated water makes movement very difficult.”
“The NHPC has announced an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased,” said an NDRF official, adding that after completing the current phase of recovery, teams would explore the remaining sections of the seven-km tunnel to determine whether anyone else was trapped.
NHPC leadership has remained present at the site, closely coordinating with all agencies involved in the rescue operation. The corporation’s statement emphasized that every effort was being made to locate and evacuate the remaining personnel at the earliest possible moment. The Sikkim NHPC tunnel collapse has highlighted the challenges faced in underground construction projects, particularly those involving hydroelectric infrastructure in mountainous regions.
Officials revealed that many of the victims were residents of Malbazar in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district, adding a personal dimension to the tragedy. The tunnel serves a critical function as part of the Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project, designed to channel high-pressure water from the reservoir to the powerhouse. As rescue teams continue their work, the community awaits news of the three missing workers while honoring those who have lost their lives in this devastating incident.
