At least 20 workers were killed after the under-construction tunnel collapsed following an explosion of suspected methane gas.
According to a company statement, rescue operations at the Head Race Tunnel (HRT) of NHPC’s Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project in South Sikkim are continuing round-the-clock, with close coordination among the District Administration, NDRF, SDRF, NHPC, Patel Engineering, Eastern Coalfields, Western Coalfields, local authorities and other agencies involved in the response.
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Of the 25 personnel trapped inside the tunnel, 13 bodies have been retrieved so far, the company stated.
Every possible effort continues to be made to locate and evacuate the remaining personnel at the earliest, it stated.
The NHPC’s Top Management is present at the site, closely monitoring and coordinating the rescue operations with all agencies involved, it informed.The NHPC will provide an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased in this unfortunate incident, it stated.
The NHPC expresses its profound grief over the tragic loss of lives and extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief, it added.