India: Deadly Tunnel Blast at Sikkim Hydroelectric Project Kills 10, Traps 15

A blast at a hydroelectric project in Sikkim, India, kills 10 workers and leaves 15 trapped. Suspected gas leak causes explosion in tunnel.

Editorial Desk

July 21, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Gangtok, India — A catastrophic explosion at a hydroelectric project in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim has resulted in the deaths of 10 workers and left at least 15 others trapped, authorities confirmed Tuesday.

The incident occurred Monday at the National Hydroelectric Power Corp’s (NHPC) project on the Teesta river, located in the village of Samardung. District official Subash Ghimirey reported that a sudden burst of gas, suspected to be methane trapped in rocks within the tunnel, caused the explosion.

Rescue operations are currently underway to reach the trapped workers. The exact cause of the gas leak remains under investigation. Officials haven’t yet released further details on the condition of those trapped or the ongoing rescue efforts.

The NHPC project, aimed at harnessing the Teesta river’s potential for hydroelectric power, has faced several challenges in the past, including environmental concerns and local opposition. This incident marks one of the deadliest accidents in the region’s recent history.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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