World
At least 22 dead after tunnel collapse at state-owned company in India
- It concerns a tunnel under construction at a project of the state-owned National Hydroelectric Power Corp where an explosion occurred on Monday.
- The explosion probably occurred when methane gas was suddenly released in the tunnel.
- There were 27 company employees and officials present at the time of the explosion.
- Two managed to leave the tunnel under construction.
At least 22 bodies have been recovered from a tunnel in the Indian state of Sikkim. It concerns a tunnel under construction at a project of the state-owned National Hydroelectric Power Corp where an explosion occurred on Monday. The explosion probably occurred when methane gas was suddenly released in the tunnel.
There were 27 company employees and officials present at the time of the explosion. Two managed to leave the tunnel under construction. The released smoke and toxic gases also hamper rescue efforts.
Specialized teams are working to find the missing victims. Authorities previously said there was a small chance there were still survivors. The tunnel will bring water from the Teesta River to a hydroelectric power station.
Methane gas is a natural gas that often causes explosions in tunnels or mining. This can happen, for example, if the gas is suddenly released in a closed space.
Source: NOS