Sikkim Tunnel Tragedy: 20 Dead, 'No Possibility' Of Survivors; Worker Says Risks Flagged But No One Cared
Namchi: The death toll in Sikkim tunnel gas leak has risen to 20, while rescue teams continue their search for at least five more people trapped inside though officials fear there is little possibility that those not accounted for yet are alive.
The incident took place shortly after 1 pm on Monday (July 20, 2026) during excavation work on the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project in the Samardung area of Namchi district.
A sudden, explosive release of suspected trapped methane gas generated toxic fumes and caused a section of the tunnel to collapse. There were 27 workers in the tunnel at the time of the incident. While two managed to escape, the rest were trapped.
"Out of those 25 trapped inside the tunnel, 20 are confirmed dead," Namchi Superintendent of Police (SP) Sonam D Bhutia said on Tuesday.
The incident took place shortly after 1 pm on Monday (July 20, 2026) during excavation work on the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project in the Samardung area of Namchi district.
A sudden, explosive release of suspected trapped methane gas generated toxic fumes and caused a section of the tunnel to collapse. There were 27 workers in the tunnel at the time of the incident. While two managed to escape, the rest were trapped.
"Out of those 25 trapped inside the tunnel, 20 are confirmed dead," Namchi Superintendent of Police (SP) Sonam D Bhutia said on Tuesday.