A suspected methane gas explosion triggered a tunnel collapse in Sikkim's Namchi district, trapping 25 workers.As of Tuesday, 12 bodies have been recovered, with 13 still missing.

The incident occurred at Adit 3 of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project, where a sudden methane leak led to toxic fumes and carbon monoxide buildup.Rescue operations face challenges due to mud and hazardous conditions.The Sikkim CM announced compensation of ₹4 lakh per family of the deceased and ₹50,000 to injured workers.A high-level committee will investigate the incident.The NHPC confirmed the methane explosion, citing a pocket of gas trapped in rocks that ignited when drilled by machinery.Rescue teams from West Bengal reported spotting eight more bodies, but the district administration hasn't verified these claims.The PM and home minister assured support, while the Sikkim assembly observed a silence to honor the victims.The incident highlights safety concerns in under-construction tunnels and the risks of methane accumulation in mining projects.