**20 Dead and 5 Missing in India Tunnel Collapse**
At least 20 individuals have lost their lives and five remain unaccounted for following a gas explosion in an under-construction tunnel at a hydropower project in Sikkim, a northeastern state in India. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon at the Teesta hydroelectric project, which has a capacity of 500 megawatts.
According to officials, the explosion was triggered by methane gas that had become trapped in the rocks during tunneling operations. The explosion generated dense fumes and toxic gases, complicating rescue efforts. The site of the incident is located in Namchi, approximately 40 kilometers from Gangtok, the state capital.
Namchi Superintendent of Police Sonam D. Bhutia confirmed that of the 25 workers trapped inside the tunnel, 20 have been confirmed dead. As of now, 13 bodies have been recovered, with search and rescue operations ongoing for the remaining individuals. Teams from both the national and state disaster response forces are actively involved in the rescue efforts.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before debris collapsed within the tunnel, as stated by State Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. The rescue teams have faced challenges due to the presence of toxic gases, which necessitated the use of breathing equipment during their operations.
In response to the tragedy, NHPC (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation), the state-owned entity responsible for the project, announced that it would provide financial assistance of approximately $9,300 (Rs 900,000) to the families of each deceased worker. The company’s top management is present at the accident site to oversee and coordinate the ongoing rescue operations.
The incident has raised concerns regarding safety protocols in construction sites, particularly in areas prone to gas accumulation. As the search and rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on locating the missing individuals and providing support to the affected families.