The death toll from a tunnel collapse at the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI project in Sikkim’s Namchi district has risen to 22. The accident happened on July 20, 2026, in the Samardung-Jholunge area, where about 25 workers were initially trapped. Nine more bodies were recovered overnight, as confirmed by the Namchi District Police.
Early reports suggest that a sudden explosion of methane gas caused the collapse, filling the tunnel with toxic fumes. Doctors found that the victims died from burn injuries and a lack of oxygen. Rescue teams from the NDRF, SDRF, and Sikkim Police are working around the clock, but they are facing tough conditions including waterlogging, mud, and dangerous gases inside the tunnel.
Special technical teams from Durgapur and Asansol in West Bengal have also joined the operation to help. The victims include workers from Sikkim, Assam, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang visited the site and promised strict action if any negligence is found. Financial help has been announced for the families, with payments coming from the State Government, NHPC, and the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have also assured full support from the Central Government.
