The death toll following the incident inside an under-construction tunnel at NHPC’s Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project in Sikkim, India, has risen to 13, as rescue teams continue efforts to recover the remaining trapped workers.
NHPC said rescue operations at the project’s Head Race Tunnel (HRT) at Samardung, South Sikkim, are continuing around the clock in coordination with the District Administration, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), NHPC, Patel Engineering Limited (PEL), Eastern Coalfields Limited, Western Coalfields Limited, local authorities and other agencies.
The incident occurred at 1:04pm on July 20 when a suspected methane gas pocket trapped within the surrounding rock exploded inside the tunnel, filling it with dense smoke and toxic gases.
According to NHPC, 25 personnel were trapped inside the tunnel. The company said 13 bodies have now been recovered, while efforts are continuing to locate and evacuate the remaining personnel.
NHPC said its senior management remains at the site to monitor and coordinate the rescue operation with all agencies involved.
The company also announced it will provide an ex gratia payment of Rs. 500,000 (US$5,800) to the next of kin of each deceased worker.
In a statement, NHPC expressed its “profound grief over the tragic loss of lives” and extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families.
The project team said it immediately implemented emergency response procedures following the incident and has been working with emergency services to stabilise conditions inside the tunnel to support rescue efforts.
NHPC has previously said a detailed investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the incident once rescue operations have concluded.
