Sikkim Tunnel Collapse Kills 20 Workers

At least 20 workers were killed and five others remained trapped after a tunnel under construction collapsed in Sikkim's Namchi district following an explosion of suspected methane gas. The incident occurred at the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project at Samardung, Jholungey, in Namchi District.

The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, announced Rs 4 lakh as ex-gratia for the next of kin of each of those workers who died in the collapse of the NHPC tunnel and Rs 50,000 for every injured person. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the chief minister and took stock of the situation, besides assuring him of all help from the central government.

The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the injured persons. The cause of the incident was initially reported as a landslide, but it was later confirmed that a methane gas explosion during excavation led to the collapse of the tunnel.

As many as 25 workers, including a few project officers, had been trapped inside the collapsed tunnel. Out of those 25 trapped inside the tunnel, 20 are confirmed dead, according to Namchi Superintendent of Police Sonam D Bhutia. Bodies of 12 have been recovered during the rescue and search operations being carried out by multiple agencies.

Seven bodies have so far been identified, and efforts are underway to do so for the other bodies. A special committee will be constituted to find out the cause of the methane gas blast which led to the collapse of the tunnel. The chief minister reached the mishap site earlier in the day and told reporters that a special committee will be set up to investigate the incident.

The NHPC statement revealed that a sudden burst of suspected methane gas trapped/embedded inside the rocks led to the explosion, generating dense fumes and toxic gases. The rescue efforts are being hampered by the gas leak, and NDRF teams are working to recover the trapped workers.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of workers in the construction industry. The government has announced compensation for the families of the deceased and injured workers. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the cause of the methane gas explosion is being investigated.

The tunnel collapse has resulted in a significant loss of life, and the rescue efforts are ongoing. The government has assured all help from the central government, and the Prime Minister has announced ex-gratia for the families of the deceased and injured workers.

In conclusion, the Sikkim tunnel collapse has resulted in a tragic loss of life, and the rescue efforts are ongoing. The government has announced compensation for the families of the deceased and injured workers, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.