Overview
- A section of the under‑construction NHPC Teesta Stage‑VI head race tunnel at Samardung in Namchi district collapsed after a suspected methane burst and explosion, trapping workers inside on Monday.
- Multi‑agency teams including the NDRF, SDRF, Sikkim police, fire services, NHPC crews and specialised mining rescue units have led recovery work that has been repeatedly paused because of toxic gases, heavy rain and waterlogged mud.
- Rescuers evacuated dozens of workers alive on Monday night but later recovered bodies in multiple rounds; officials reported 15 bodies recovered by Wednesday evening while other agency counts published earlier in the day were higher as recovery continued.
- Authorities estimate about 27 people were in the tunnel when the blast occurred, with two known to have escaped and 16 reported rescued and treated; identification work and family support for many migrant workers has been activated.
- State and central authorities have ordered high‑level inquiries involving the DGMS, announced ex‑gratia payments for next of kin and the injured, and face the technical challenge of ventilating and dewatering a long Himalayan tunnel where methane pockets and toxic gases can form.