What happened
An explosion inside the under-construction head race tunnel of the Teesta State-VI Hydroelectric Project at Samardung in Namchi district, Sikkim, has led to a major rescue operation. The death toll has risen to 15, while search and rescue work continues for the remaining trapped personnel.
NHPC said 25 personnel were trapped after the explosion, which it attributed to a sudden release of suspected methane gas. The accident occurred around 1:04 p.m. on July 20.
Background and rescue response
NHPC said rescue operations were being carried out round the clock with the Namchi district administration, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), contractors, and local authorities. The company said 13 bodies had been retrieved in an afternoon statement, and Namchi District Magistrate Anupa Tamling later said two more bodies were recovered.
The Sikkim government said rainfall and the accumulation of mud and water inside the tunnel temporarily hampered rescue efforts. Teams continued intensive searches under difficult conditions.
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