Escalation: Toxic Gas Hinders Rescue of Trapped Workers
On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, rescue teams in the Himalayan state of Sikkim, India, said toxic gas was slowing efforts to reach 13 workers trapped after a hydropower tunnel collapsed. The site is part of the Teesta Hydroelectric Project near Samardung.
The tunnel is under construction to carry river water to power-generating turbines, and a section caved in, sealing the workers inside. Authorities said a buildup of poisonous gas made it unsafe to send rescuers in.
Photos from the scene showed teams hauling oxygen cylinders to the tunnel entrance. TimesLIVE also reported that water inside the tunnel was hampering access.
Reports differ on what triggered the crisis. The Tribune-Democrat, citing AP, said a gas explosion preceded the toxic leak and collapse, while other outlets did not confirm a cause.
Rescue operations continued Wednesday with crews working to make the tunnel safe enough to enter. Officials had not given a timeline for reaching the 13 trapped workers.
Synthesized from 19 sources
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AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources
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