Methane Blast at Sikkim Hydroelectric Tunnel Kills at Least 20 Workers

A methane gas explosion and tunnel collapse at the Teesta Stage VI hydroelectric project in Sikkim, India, has killed at least 20 workers. NHPC, the state-owned developer, attributed the blast to methane trapped in rock formations. Thirteen bodies have been recovered; seven to eight remain unretrievable due to waterlogging and toxic gas. Officials expect no survivors. NHPC has announced a detailed investigation.