Sikkim tunnel collapse kills at least 10, dozens remain trapped

An under‑construction tunnel for the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation's (NHPC) Teesta Stage VI hydroelectric project collapsed in the Samardung area of Namchi district, Sikkim. A landslide and a suspected methane gas explosion blocked the tunnel entrance, trapping workers inside.

Official counts vary, but at least ten people have been confirmed dead and between 17 and 27 workers are feared trapped. Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Sikkim police, fire‑and‑emergency services and medical units continue to work under hazardous conditions, reporting high levels of methane, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide inside the tunnel.

State and central officials have responded: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari offered assistance, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to review rescue efforts and promise further aid. The incident has raised safety concerns for large infrastructure projects in the Himalayan region.