At Least 11 Dead After Gas Explosion Collapses Tunnel at India Hydropower Project
SIKKIM, India โ Rescue operations are underway in northeastern India after a suspected gas explosion caused a tunnel collapse at an under-construction hydropower project, killing at least 11 people and leaving several others trapped underground.
The accident happened on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project in Samardung village, Sikkim, near Indiaโs border with China. Officials said the explosion was likely caused by a buildup of methane gas inside the construction tunnel.
According to authorities, the blast triggered a collapse inside the tunnel, trapping workers and rescue personnel who had entered the area after the initial explosion. At least 27 people were reported trapped, while two workers managed to escape.
Emergency teams, including Indiaโs National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have been working in dangerous conditions as toxic gases, including methane and other hazardous fumes, made rescue efforts more difficult. Rescuers have been using protective breathing equipment while searching inside the damaged tunnel.
The 500-megawatt hydropower project is being developed in a mountainous region where underground construction can be challenging due to fragile geological conditions. Officials said investigations into the exact cause of the explosion are continuing.
Families of the missing workers are waiting for updates as rescue crews continue efforts to reach those still trapped. Authorities have not yet provided a final assessment of the damage or confirmed when recovery operations will end.
Sources:
- Associated Press (AP)
- ABC News
- Economic Times