Tragic Tunnel Collapse in Sikkim: All 25 Workers Recovered After 72-Hour Search

A devastating tunnel collapse at the NHPC hydropower project in Sikkim has resulted in the recovery of all 25 workers after a 72-hour search operation. The incident, caused by a suspected methane gas explosion, has prompted significant government responses, including compensation for the victims' families. This tragic event highlights the dangers faced by workers in construction projects. Read on for more details about the recovery efforts and the support being provided to the affected families.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 23, 2026, 16:15 IST

Recovery Efforts Conclude in Sikkim Tunnel Incident

In a tragic incident in Namchi district, Sikkim, the bodies of all 25 workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel of the NHPC hydropower project have been recovered, as confirmed by officials on Thursday.

The workers were inside the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project tunnel when it collapsed due to an explosion believed to be triggered by methane gas around 1 PM on Monday.

After 72 hours of relentless search efforts, all bodies have been successfully retrieved, reported K K Roy, a rescue team member from Eastern Coalfield Ltd.

A state government representative stated, "The Sikkim government, along with district authorities and relevant agencies, is actively monitoring the situation and providing support to the families affected by this tragedy."

By Wednesday, eight bodies had been identified, with four workers hailing from Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal, and one each from Punjab, Uttarakhand, Assam, and Sikkim.

Additionally, at least four workers from Khunti, Hazaribag, and West Singhbhum districts in Jharkhand were also involved in the project, according to another official.

In response to the disaster, NHPC has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of each deceased worker.

Sikkim's Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang declared an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for each injured individual.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also pledged Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.

An NHPC statement indicated that the explosion was caused by a sudden release of methane gas trapped in the rocks, which resulted in the release of dense fumes and toxic gases within the tunnel.