Published Jul 22, 2026 | 7:22 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 22, 2026 | 7:22 PM
Geologist Aneesh Mohan
Synopsis: Rescue teams are conducting an intensive search operation to find a geologist from Kerala and 11 other people missing after an under-construction hydropower tunnel collapse in Sikkim. 13 people have been confirmed dead in the tragic incident so far.
A geologist from Kerala, working with the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), is among the 12 people who remain missing after a deadly explosion inside an under-construction hydropower tunnel in Sikkim, where rescue teams are continuing an intensive search operation.
Twenty-five workers and officials were inside the tunnel when the accident took place at around 1.04 pm on July 20 inside the Head Race Tunnel (HRT) of the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydropower Project at Samardung in South Sikkim’s Namchi district.
Officials have confirmed the recovery of 13 bodies, among which eight have been identified, while the search is on for the remaining men.
The recovered bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination to ascertain the cause of death.
Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports suggest a higher death toll, with some media reporting at least 20 deaths.
Among those missing is Aneesh Mohan (43), a senior geologist (Remote Sensing) with NHPC and a native of Manarcad, Kottayam.
Aneesh, who has been with NHPC since 2010, had entered the tunnel along with a team of consultants and civil engineers as part of project-related work when the explosion occurred.
Officials believe he was caught inside after a section of the tunnel collapsed.
His family was informed about the incident later that night.
NHPC has initiated arrangements to bring his family to the accident site as the search continues.
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According to the NHPC, a sudden release of suspected methane gas trapped within the rock triggered an explosion, filling the tunnel with dense smoke and toxic gases.
The Sikkim government in a separate statement said the incident was caused by “methane gas combustion.”
Rescue efforts are being jointly carried out by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), NHPC personnel and the local administration under the supervision of the Sikkim government.
Authorities said the operation remains challenging because of the collapsed tunnel section and the presence of toxic gases inside the underground passage.
Meanwhile, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang visited the site to review rescue operations and announced Rs 4 lakh ex gratia for the family members of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for injured persons.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident… My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the workers who have lost their lives. In this hour of grief, the thoughts and prayers of the entire state are with the bereaved families, and we stand firmly by them during this difficult time,” the CM said.
The NHPC has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of the deceased.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
