Tunnel collapse in India's Sikkim kills at least 20

The death toll from a tunnel collapse at a hydroelectric project in India's remote northeastern Sikkim state has climbed to at least 20, authorities confirmed Wednesday. The incident occurred Monday in the Namchi district when workers were constructing a tunnel for a government-owned project on the Teesta River.

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Of the 25 workers trapped, 13 bodies have been recovered so far. Rescue teams also spotted seven to eight more bodies inside the tunnel, but they have not been able to retrieve them yet.

"Of the 25 workers trapped, 13 bodies have been recovered so far," Rajiv Roka, Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority Director, told AFP. "Rescue teams also spotted seven to eight more bodies inside the tunnel, but they have not been able to retrieve them yet."

Rescue operations faced difficulties due to water accumulation and methane gas leaks from underground rock formations. "There is about 0.76 meters of water accumulation, making the retrieval of bodies difficult," Roka stated. "Given the conditions, I do not think there are any survivors left."

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There is about 0.76 meters of water accumulation, making the retrieval of bodies difficult. Given the conditions, I do not think there are any survivors left.

The region has experienced heavy monsoon rains in recent days. The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) attributed the collapse to a methane gas explosion, believed to be trapped within the rocks, which generated thick smoke and toxic gas. "A detailed investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the incident," the company said.

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A detailed investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the incident.