A tragic incident unfolded on Monday afternoon in South Sikkim, India, when an explosion occurred at a hydropower construction site, resulting in multiple fatalities and missing workers. The explosion, which took place at the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation’s (NHPC) Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project, has left officials and rescue teams working tirelessly to locate those trapped in the tunnel.
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According to accounts from NHPC, the explosion, which happened at approximately 1:04 p.m. local time, is believed to have been caused by a sudden release of methane gas that had built up within the rock formations of the under-construction Head Race Tunnel (HRT). The incident generated considerable smoke and toxic gases, presenting significant challenges for rescue operations.
Initial reports indicated that 25 workers were trapped inside the tunnel at the time of the explosion. As the search progressed, it was confirmed that 12 bodies had been recovered, while authorities reported that 13 other individuals remained unaccounted for. Superintendent of Police Sonam D Bhutia stated that efforts were ongoing to locate the missing workers and that the death toll had sadly risen during the course of the emergency.
While there were 27 individuals working in the tunnel at the time, two workers managed to escape and raise the alarm. Unfortunately, when six power utility officials entered the tunnel to assist in the rescue, they became trapped themselves, further complicating the recovery efforts. The state’s Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang, indicated that the explosion was primarily due to the excessive build-up of methane gas.
Rescue teams, equipped with oxygen gear, faced daunting conditions as they sought to locate any survivors. Due to the hazardous atmosphere filled with toxic gases, officials stipulated that teams could only spend 15 minutes at a time within the tunnel. Vivek Kumar from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) noted that the incident occurred nearly 0.9 miles from the tunnel’s entrance, making the situation increasingly precarious for rescue efforts.
In response to the disaster, NHPC has been collaborating closely with the NDRF, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local authorities to execute the rescue operations effectively. They have also mobilised engineering teams to work continuously to stabilise the tunnel environment for the safety of those involved in the rescue efforts.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, NHPC expressed its commitment to fully support the rescue agencies as they navigate the ongoing crisis. The organisation announced that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the precise causes of the explosion, aiming to prevent any future occurrences of such tragic incidents.
In a heartfelt response, Chief Minister Tamang made a visit to the site and extended his condolences to the families of the victims through a social media post. He described the explosion as a painful tragedy and stated that the state government would establish a high-level inquiry committee to ascertain the exact reasons behind the disaster.
The Chief Minister emphasised the state’s support for those affected, saying, “In this moment of profound grief, the thoughts and prayers of the entire State are with the bereaved families. We stand in solidarity with them and remain committed to extending every possible support during this difficult time.”
As search and rescue efforts continue, the region mourns the loss of lives and hopes for the safe recovery of the missing workers.