Thirteen bodies recovered at the Teesta Stage VI project as rescuers confront dangerous conditions underground
NAMCHI, SIKKIM, July 23, 2026 — Emergency personnel continued searching an under-construction hydropower tunnel in Sikkim after a suspected methane explosion trapped workers and filled sections of the structure with toxic gas, mud and water.
The incident occurred Monday at the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project in Namchi district. The planned power station has a generating capacity of 500 megawatts.
By late Wednesday, authorities had recovered 13 bodies. A senior state disaster-management official told AFP that rescue personnel had observed another seven or eight bodies inside the tunnel but had been unable to retrieve them because of hazardous conditions.
Some earlier reports described 20 people as dead. However, the confirmed recovery count stood at 13 at the latest verifiable update, with additional casualties feared. The figures could change as the operation proceeds.
NHPC said preliminary information indicated that methane trapped within underground rock formations may have been released suddenly, causing an explosion and producing dense smoke and toxic fumes. A detailed investigation has been promised, meaning the precise cause has not yet been conclusively established.
Standing water—reported to be about 0.76 metres deep in some areas—has further restricted movement inside the tunnel. Rescue teams have been using breathing apparatus, gas-protection equipment and specialized visibility systems.
Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Sikkim Police and specialized mine-rescue teams are participating in the operation.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has ordered a high-level inquiry. The state announced compensation of ₹4 lakh for the family of each deceased worker and ₹50,000 for every injured person. The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund separately announced ₹2 lakh for each bereaved family and ₹50,000 for the injured
