A tunnel under construction for a hydropower project in Namchi district of Sikkim, India, collapsed on Monday, leaving 22 workers dead. The incident occurred after an explosion inside the tunnel, reportedly caused by the ignition of flammable gas trapped within rock layers. At the time of the collapse, 25 workers were inside and became trapped deep within the tunnel.

Officials said that rescue operations have been extremely dangerous due to the presence of toxic gas, fallen rocks, and unstable conditions inside the tunnel. Despite these challenges, efforts to locate the remaining missing workers are ongoing. Authorities are also working to support the affected families and ensure all necessary assistance for the rescue mission.

The administration has pledged to continue search and recovery operations while providing aid to those impacted by the disaster.