The number of workers killed after an explosion in an under-construction tunnel at NHPC’s Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project in Sikkim, India has risen to 22.
Project developer NHPC said 25 people were working in the head race tunnel at the time of the explosion on July 20. It is suspected the blast was caused by methane gas embedded in rocks.
In its latest update, NHPC said rescue operations continued around the clock to locate and evacuate the remaining personnel.
“NHPC’s top management is present at the site, closely monitoring and co-ordinating the rescue operations with all agencies involved,” the company said.
Meanwhile, the Sikkim government has appointed a team to investigate the explosion. Representatives from the police and the Sikkim government’s Mines and Geology Department will try to determine the cause of the explosion, such as blasting, a gas pocket or equipment failure.
The team will also determine whether safety, gas monitoring and ventilation protocols were followed correctly.
The investigators will report their findings within 15 days.
