Sikkim Tunnel Tragedy Death Toll Rises to 22 as Water Accumulation Delays Rescue Operations

KalimNews, July 23, 2026, Rangpo: The death toll in the tragic collapse of the under-construction NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydropower Project tunnel in Sikkim’s Namchi district has risen to 22, while rescue teams continue their efforts to locate the remaining trapped workers. Rescue operations have been severely challenged by the accumulation of large quantities of mud and water inside the tunnel, forcing teams to temporarily suspend and later resume their efforts.

The incident occurred at the Head Race Tunnel (HRT) of the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project at Samardung in Namchi district after a sudden explosion believed to have been triggered by a burst of suspected methane gas trapped inside the rocks. The explosion released dense fumes and toxic gases, causing the tunnel collapse and trapping 25 workers inside.

According to officials, 22 of the 25 trapped workers have been confirmed dead, while rescue teams are continuing operations to recover the remaining victims. Namchi Superintendent of Police Sonam D Bhutia had earlier confirmed the grim situation, stating that 22 workers among those trapped inside the tunnel had lost their lives.

Following a temporary halt caused by unsafe conditions inside the tunnel, rescue operations resumed with renewed intensity on Wednesday. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), Asansol Rescue Team, NHPC, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Patel Engineering Limited (PEL), Western Coalfields Limited, district administration and other agencies joined hands in the massive recovery operation.

A second rescue team from Eastern Coalfields Limited, Asansol, reached the site around 10 pm and immediately joined the ongoing operation. Despite extremely difficult conditions, rescue personnel continued working late into the night to recover the trapped workers.

Officials said the rescue operation was delayed after large volumes of water and mud accumulated inside the tunnel, creating dangerous conditions for personnel. Pumping operations were initiated to remove the water, and teams waited for the tunnel to become safe before entering deeper areas.

Sources said rescue teams that had entered nearly 1.5 kilometres inside the tunnel faced serious risks due to the presence of hazardous gases, including methane and carbon monoxide. The accumulated water further complicated the mission, requiring extensive drainage work before recovery efforts could continue.

The NHPC stated that rescue operations were being carried out around the clock with close coordination among all agencies involved. The company said that every possible measure was being taken to complete the rescue mission while ensuring the safety of rescue workers.

Medical teams and ambulances remained stationed at the site throughout the operation to provide immediate emergency assistance. Officials said that any rescue personnel facing serious medical complications would be shifted to Rangpo Hospital for specialised treatment.

The victims identified from West Bengal include Shyam Oraon from Jalpaiguri, who was recognised through his tattoo and rings on Wednesday evening. Earlier, Bolo Oraon and Bikesar Oraon from bodies of the deceased workers are being identified gradually. So far, authorities have identified eight victims. Four of them were from West Bengal, including three from Jalpaiguri district and one from Alipurduar.

The workers identified from other states include Yasohal from Pathankot in Punjab, Vikey Rawat from Dehradun in Uttarakhand, Babul Borodoloi from Assam and Lakpa Dorjee Tamang from Katang in Namchi.

Officials also stated that several workers engaged at the project site belonged to Jharkhand, including districts such as Khunti, Hazaribag and West Singhbhum.

The Sikkim government, district administration and all concerned agencies are closely monitoring the situation and providing support to the rescue teams as well as the families of the victims. Authorities are also considering DNA testing to identify the remaining deceased workers.

Following the tragedy, financial assistance was announced for the victims’ families. NHPC announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased worker. Earlier, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) had announced ₹4 lakh compensation for the families of those who died and ₹50,000 for every injured person.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased worker and ₹50,000 for those injured in the accident.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, along with Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur, had earlier visited the accident site and reviewed the rescue situation. They directed NHPC Chairman and Managing Director Bhupender Gupta to ensure that compensation reaches the affected families at the earliest.

The Namchi district administration was also instructed to establish a dedicated support mechanism at Rangpo to assist with identification of the deceased and provide necessary help to families, particularly those who had travelled from other states.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said his government was extending all possible assistance to the affected families including ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh. He informed that state disaster management officials, Minister of State for Home and Hill Affairs Bishal Lama, and Nagrakata MLA Puna Bhengra had been sent to Sikkim to coordinate with authorities and support rescue efforts.

The West Bengal government assured that necessary steps, including financial assistance and other support measures, would be taken for the families affected by the tragedy.

The rescue operation remains underway as specialised teams continue their efforts to recover the remaining victims and bring the tragic incident to a conclusion while maintaining the highest safety standards.