**Tunnel Collapse in India Claims Lives of 12 Workers**
In a tragic incident in Sikkim, India, at least 12 workers lost their lives following a tunnel collapse triggered by a gas explosion. The accident occurred on Monday, with rescue operations still underway to locate an additional 13 workers who are believed to be trapped inside the under-construction tunnel.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) reported that the collapse took place approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) into the tunnel, which is part of a larger hydropower project being developed by the state-owned National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). The tunnel is intended to transport water from the nearby Teesta River to the turbines of a hydropower plant.
According to NHPC, the explosion was caused by a sudden release of suspected methane gas that had been trapped within the surrounding rocks. This gas ignited, resulting in dense fumes and toxic gases being released into the tunnel. The Sikkim government corroborated this, stating that the incident was due to "methane gas combustion." Methane is a naturally occurring gas that can become hazardous when it accumulates in confined spaces and comes into contact with an ignition source.
At the time of the explosion, 27 workers were present in various sections of the tunnel. While two workers managed to escape, 25 were trapped. As of Wednesday morning, authorities confirmed that 12 bodies had been recovered from the site, with efforts ongoing to find the remaining 13 individuals. Superintendent of Police Sonam D Bhutia provided an update, indicating that seven victims have been identified. Among them, one is a local from Sikkim, while the others are migrants from West Bengal, Uttarakhand, and Assam.
The cause of death for the recovered workers will be determined following post-mortem examinations. The search-and-rescue teams are concentrating their efforts on a specific 200-meter zone within the tunnel where the trapped workers are likely to be located.
In response to the tragedy, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced the formation of a special investigation team to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. "We have engaged a team of experts to find out what exactly happened and how. We will take action based on the findings," Tamang stated during a press briefing.
The incident has raised concerns regarding workplace safety in the region, particularly in the construction and mining sectors, where gas explosions can pose significant risks to workers. As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on recovering the remaining trapped workers and ensuring the safety of those involved in similar projects in the future.
The situation is being monitored closely by local authorities, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.