Sikkim tunnel gas leak tragedy: Death toll rises to Seven

In Sikkim, the death toll from the gas leak at the under-construction Samardung Tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project in Jholungey, Namchi district, has risen to seven after a methane gas explosion triggered a landslide, blocking the tunnel entrance and cutting off the escape route.A total of 25 workers, including National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) personnel, were trapped inside the tunnel. Of them, seven have been confirmed dead by the district administration, while rescue operations are underway to evacuate the remaining 18 workers.

Gangtok, Sikkim: Seven deaths have been confirmed in a tunnel incident at NHPC Teesta Stage VI project in Namchi. Bodies were sent to nearby hospitals, while rescue teams continue efforts to evacuate workers trapped inside the under-construction tunnel. pic.twitter.com/m5IhyiQL1o

— IANS (@ians_india) July 21, 2026

Rescue mission is being carried out by the Namchi District Administration, NHPC officials, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, the Health Department, and other relevant departments. The exact cause of the suspected gas leak is still under investigation. According to reports, the rescue operation has been severely hampered by hazardous methane gas, low oxygen levels, poor visibility and the narrow tunnel passage, making it difficult for rescue personnel to reach those trapped. The district administration received information about the incident at around 3.40 pm on Monday, following which teams from the NDRF, SDRF, district police and Fire and Emergency Services rushed to the site.