A major accident took place in the tunnel under construction of NHPC’s Teesta Stage-6 hydroelectric project in Namchi district of Sikkim. A landslide occurred after the methane gas exploded inside the tunnel, blocking a part of the tunnel and trapping more than 27 workers inside.
According to the information, methane gas had accumulated for about 1.5 kilometers inside the tunnel. An explosion occurred while trying to take out the gas, after which the tunnel was blocked with debris. After the accident, some workers were successful in coming out, but many workers are still trapped inside the tunnel.
Many soldiers have trouble breathing
As soon as information about the incident was received, teams of NDRF, SDRF, District Police and Fire Brigade reached the spot. However, due to poisonous gas inside the tunnel, lack of oxygen and very low visibility, the rescue operation is facing great difficulties. During the initial rescue, many fire brigade personnel had difficulty breathing, after which the operation had to be stopped. However, the rescue operation of the fire brigade and NDRF team is going on.
Relief and rescue operations on war footing
A team equipped with special gas-protection equipment has also been called from West Bengal to speed up the rescue operation. Ambulances are deployed at the spot and rescue teams with gas masks and safety equipment are continuously trying to reach the workers. According to the district administration, poisonous methane gas in the tunnel, narrow passage and low visibility are making the rescue operation extremely challenging. At present all the agencies are engaged in relief and rescue work on war footing.
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