Gas explosion kills 22 in Sikkim hydroelectric tunnel

A gas explosion inside an under-construction hydroelectric tunnel in northeastern India has killed at least 22 people, with three others still missing as rescue efforts continue. The incident occurred on Monday, July 20, at the state-owned National Hydroelectric Power Corporation's Teesta Stage-VI project in the village of Samardung, South Sikkim.

Authorities stated that a suspected explosive release of methane gas trapped within the rocks filled the tunnel with dense smoke and toxic gases, trapping 25 workers and officials. By Thursday, July 23, the confirmed death toll had risen to 22 as specialized teams recovered additional bodies. The Sikkim state government warned that survival chances for anyone still inside were slim, citing ongoing challenges including waterlogging, mud, and dangerous gas levels that forced rescuers to use oxygen supplies.

The disaster management authority reported that recovery operations were severely hampered by flooding inside the collapsed tunnel, which made retrieving bodies difficult. An official said the conditions made it unlikely any remaining individuals could have survived. The region has experienced heavy monsoon rains in recent days, which...