Methane Explosion Traps Dozens in Sikkim Tunnel, Seven Workers Killed

A methane gas explosion triggered a landslide that blocked the entrance of the under‑construction Samardung tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district on Monday afternoon. Seven workers have been confirmed dead and at least 27 remain trapped inside the tunnel, which is part of NHPC's Teesta Stage‑VI hydroelectric project. Rescue teams from the NDRF, SDRF, police and fire services, aided by a specialist unit from West Bengal, continue to work under hazardous conditions of low oxygen and gas exposure. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the gas buildup and the safety of the project.