Tragedy Strikes: Death Toll Rises in Sikkim Tunnel Collapse Incident

A devastating tunnel collapse at the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project in South Sikkim has led to a rising death toll of 22. Rescue teams are working tirelessly under hazardous conditions to locate the remaining trapped workers. With multiple agencies involved, efforts are ongoing to recover all victims, while the state government pledges support to the affected families. This incident marks one of the worst industrial disasters in recent years for Sikkim, prompting a large-scale response to ensure the safety and recovery of those involved.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 23, 2026, 11:14 IST

Rescue Operations Intensify Following Tunnel Collapse

Gangtok: The tragic incident at the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project in South Sikkim's Samardung has resulted in a rising death toll, now at 22. Rescue teams are actively engaged in search and recovery efforts to find the remaining workers trapped in the collapsed tunnel, officials reported on Thursday.

As per the latest updates, various rescue agencies have been working tirelessly through the night under perilous conditions to locate those still believed to be inside the tunnel.

A second specialized rescue team from Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) arrived at the site around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, contributing additional expertise and equipment to the ongoing efforts.

Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other emergency response teams have continued their operations until midnight, facing challenging conditions such as unstable debris and limited access.

Authorities have confirmed that 22 bodies have been recovered from the site thus far.

Search operations are ongoing as rescue teams strive to locate the remaining victims.

Senior officials from the state government and district administration are closely monitoring the rescue efforts, ensuring coordination among all involved agencies to maintain the operation's momentum.

Additional machinery and logistical support have been mobilized to aid in the recovery mission.

The state government has pledged to provide all necessary assistance to the families of the deceased and has reiterated its commitment to support the rescue personnel engaged in this critical operation.

The tunnel collapse at the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project marks one of the most severe industrial disasters in Sikkim in recent years, leading to a comprehensive multi-agency rescue operation.

Since the incident, specialized teams equipped with heavy machinery and technical rescue tools have been working around the clock in a race against time to recover the remaining victims.

Rescue operations are set to continue until all individuals trapped inside the tunnel are accounted for.