Namchi, July 21 -- State-owned NHPC Limited has confirmed that 10 workers lost their lives after a suspected methane gas explosion inside the under-construction Head Race Tunnel (HRT) for the 500 MW Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project at Samardung, South Sikkim.

According to an official statement from NHPC, the incident happened at 1:04 PM on July 20, when a sudden burst of suspected methane gas trapped in the rock layers triggered an explosion. This explosion created dense fumes and toxic gases inside the tunnel.

After the incident, the project team quickly activated emergency response protocols. Rescue operations are underway in close cooperation with the District Administration, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disast...