The death toll in the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI hydropower project tunnel collapse in Sikkim’s Namchi district has risen to 12, with 13 to 15 workers still feared trapped as rescue operations continue.
Namchi Superintendent of Police Sonam Dolma said 12 bodies have been recovered so far from the collapsed tunnel.
“Till now 12 bodies have been recovered. Thirteen to fifteen are still feared trapped. Rescue operation is still going on. NDRF, SDRF, Sikkim Police, coal mining experts, Fire and Emergency Services are carrying out the operation,” she said.
The tunnel at the under-construction NHPC project in Samardung, Jholungey, caved in earlier this week, trapping workers inside and triggering a large-scale rescue mission.
#WATCH | Sikkim: Search and rescue operation resumes at NHPC tunnel collapse site in Namchi. Latest visuals from the site.
Till now 12 bodies have been recovered. 13-15 are still feared trapped. NDRF, SDRF, Sikkim Police, Coal mining Experts team, Fire and Emergency Services… pic.twitter.com/PEtiJptwfz
— ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2026
Multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services and specialised mining experts, have been working to reach those believed to be trapped under the debris.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and assured the state government of all possible assistance from the Centre for the rescue operation and relief measures.
According to the Sikkim government, the Prime Minister reviewed the ongoing rescue efforts and expressed concern over the tragedy, while Chief Minister Tamang thanked him for the Centre’s support.
The Chief Minister has said the state government is closely monitoring the rescue mission and has directed all departments concerned to expedite operations while ensuring support for the affected families.
The state government has announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased worker and Rs 50,000 for every injured person in line with disaster relief norms.
According to NHPC, the collapse is suspected to have been triggered after a pocket of methane gas trapped within rock formations suddenly burst, causing an explosion that filled the tunnel with dense fumes and toxic gases, making rescue operations more difficult.