Une explosion dans un tunnel d'un projet hydroélectrique indien fait 10 morts et 17 disparus

A suspected gas explosion in a tunnel under construction at a hydropower project in India's northeastern state of Sikkim has left at least 10 people dead and 17 others missing, according to officials. The incident occurred on Monday near the China border, in the Samardung village, approximately 40 kilometers from the state capital, Gangtok. The blast, which tore through the tunnel, resulted in the entrapment of at least 27 individuals, including several who attempted to aid in rescue efforts following the explosion. State Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang visited the disaster site and stated that the explosion was caused by a buildup of methane gas. Civil official Anupama Tamling confirmed that multiple workers were engaged in construction activities on the 500-megawatt Teesta hydroelectric project at the time of the incident. Survivors described hearing a loud explosion followed by debris falling into the tunnel, trapping numerous workers inside. Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have been working tirelessly to locate the remaining trapped individuals. As of Tuesday, 11 bodies had been recovered, while efforts continued to reach at least 14 people still inside the tunnel. NDRF official Nitin Kumar noted that toxic gases such as methane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide were present within the tunnel, forcing rescuers to use breathing equipment due to hazardous conditions. Six officials from the state-owned National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), responsible for constructing the project, entered the tunnel to assist in the search but became trapped themselves. Their presence highlights the ongoing challenges faced during rescue operations in such environments. India has witnessed several construction-related accidents in recent years, often linked to rapid infrastructure expansion and the inherent risks of working in challenging geological conditions. In the Himalayas, the combination of fragile mountain structures, frequent seismic activity, and unpredictable subterranean conditions makes tunneling particularly perilous. For instance, in February, an explosion in a coal mine in Meghalaya claimed the lives of at least 18 workers. Similarly, in 2023, a tunnel collapse in northern Uttarakhand trapped 41 workers for 17 days before their eventual rescue. Geologists emphasize that the Teesta River basin, where the hydropower project is located, is situated in a seismically active region characterized by young, fractured rock formations. Dr. Devesh Walia, a geology professor at North-Eastern Hill University in Meghalaya, explained that the area includes rock layers associated with coal-bearing strata, making it likely that methane and other gases could have accumulated underground, potentially triggering the explosion. The incident underscores the broader issues surrounding safety protocols and risk management in large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in regions prone to natural hazards. While the immediate focus remains on rescue operations and recovery efforts, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the dangers inherent in such endeavors.