NationalWednesday, 22 July 2026·Hindu Tamil Thisai
Sikkim mine collapse after methane leak kills 10 workers at Teesta Stage VI project in July 2026
A methane gas leak caused a tunnel collapse at the Teesta Stage VI hydropower project in Sikkim, killing 10 workers and leaving more trapped.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In July 2026, a tunnel collapse at the Teesta Stage VI hydropower project in Sikkim’s Samardung area killed 10 workers after a methane gas leak during excavation work.
Key specifics
- The tunnel work was being carried out by Patel Engineering Company for the Teesta Stage VI project.
- The accident occurred at 3:09 pm on the previous day, when excavation was under way as usual.
- So far, 10 bodies have been recovered, while 16 workers were rescued safely.
- More than 18 workers may still be trapped inside the tunnel, and search operations are continuing.
- Officials said a smaller methane leak had occurred about 4 months earlier, causing burn injuries to some workers’ hands.
Exam lens
Question type: disaster management and infrastructure, key facts: Teesta Stage VI, Samardung, 3:09 pm, 10 dead, 16 rescued. TNPSC one-liner: Which hydropower project in Sikkim saw a tunnel collapse after a methane leak?