Methane Explosion at Sikkim Hydroelectric Tunnel Kills at Least 20

A methane gas explosion collapsed a tunnel at the Teesta Stage VI hydroelectric project in Sikkim, India, killing at least 20 workers. NHPC, the state-owned developer, blamed methane trapped in surrounding rock. Thirteen bodies were recovered; seven to eight remain inaccessible due to flooding and toxic gas. No survivors are expected. NHPC has announced a detailed investigation.