Gangtok, July 21 -- At least 12 people were killed after a section of the under-construction Head Race Tunnel (HRT) of the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project collapsed at Samardung, Jholungey, in Sikkim's Namchi district on Monday afternoon. Rescue operations continued through Tuesday amid fears that the death toll could rise further.
According to officials, the tunnel collapse was followed by a suspected methane gas leak, filling the tunnel with dense fumes and toxic gases. Twenty-five workers were trapped inside after the incident, while two others managed to escape.
Rescue teams initially brought out 16 workers alive after hours of strenuous efforts on Monday night. They were admitted to hospitals for treatment. Since the early...