Tragedy at a hydroelectric power plant in India left dozens of people trapped underground
A major accident occurred at a hydroelectric power plant construction site in the state of Sikkim in northeastern India. At least 10 people were killed in the explosion, which, according to preliminary reports, was caused by a buildup of methane, and another 15 remain trapped underground.
A tragedy has occurred at a hydroelectric power plant site in the state of Sikkim in northeastern India. A powerful explosion occurred during work in an underground tunnel, after which toxic gases began to seep inside. According to the latest reports, at least 10 people have died, and another 15 are considered missing. The accident occurred at a hydroelectric power plant construction site on the Tista River near the village of Samardung.
According to preliminary information, the tragedy was caused by a sudden release of methane that had accumulated in the rock formations. The gas exploded in the tunnel, after which the area was quickly filled with thick fumes and toxic substances. NHPC noted that this significantly complicated the rescue operation. “A sudden surge of gas, likely methane, that had accumulated in the tunnel’s rock caused an explosion, which released thick fumes and toxic gas,” the company said in a statement.
People Were Trapped
According to local officials, workers and company employees were inside the tunnel at the time of the accident. In total, at least 25 people were trapped underground. Ten of the victims have already been found and brought to the surface, but 15 people remain inside.
Possible Methane Gas Leak Leaves At Least 10 Dead in Northern India
At least 15 people are trapped after a suspected methane gas explosion at a hydroelectric tunnel in Sikkim.
sputnikafrica pic.twitter.com/unr03Ph49p— Alma Gentil (@Chinoy200096633) July 21, 2026
Rescuers acknowledge that the chances of finding them alive are dwindling by the hour. “The chances of finding those still trapped underground alive are minimal,” said Rajiv Roka, a representative of the state’s Disaster Management Authority.
The rescue operation is ongoing
Search efforts are taking place under extremely difficult conditions. Due to high concentrations of methane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide, rescuers can only work in the tunnel for short periods and only while wearing special protective suits equipped with oxygen tanks.
At least 20 workers were killed while 5 others remain trapped for over 24 hours after a tunnel under construction collapsed in Sikkim’s #Namchi following an #explosion of suspected methane gas. #landslide #tunnelcollapse #Sikkim pic.twitter.com/pwOmWtadJU
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Specialized equipment, oxygen apparatus, rope systems, and emergency rescue gear were deployed for the operation. Units from India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), firefighters, police, and other emergency services are working at the scene. NHPC management and local government officials have also joined in coordinating the rescue operation.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang stated that the preliminary cause of the tragedy is believed to be a buildup of methane in the rock formations. At the same time, he emphasized that final conclusions will be drawn only after the official investigation is completed. Experts explain that construction is taking place in the Himalayan region, which is known for its complex geological structure and high seismic activity.
Young rock formations may contain natural gas pockets. This poses an additional danger to workers during the construction of underground tunnels. The rescue operation is currently underway. Emergency services continue to clear the rubble and are trying to reach the trapped people, but progress is very slow due to toxic air. Authorities promise to release new information once the search operation is complete and all the circumstances of the tragedy have been established. Reuters reports this, citing local authorities, the police, and the state-owned National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
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