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Toxic gas slows efforts to rescue 13 workers trapped in India hydropower tunnel
Summary by The San Antonio Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Wasbir Hussain, Associated Press , KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 22, 2026
· 2 min read
Toxic gas prevented rescuers from reaching 13 workers trapped in a collapsed hydropower tunnel in India on Wednesday after a gas explosion two days earlier killed 12 workers. The blast triggered by a buildup of methane gas tore through the tunnel Monday at the 500-megawatt Teesta Hydroelectric Pr...
Story provenance No corrections
Summary created by The San Antonio Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Wasbir Hussain, Associated Press, KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 22, 2026 Indexed here Jul 22, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Key takeaway Gandura Oraon, 38, said he and other workers were eating lunch inside the tunnel when a loud explosion forced them to run for the exit.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The tragic events unfolding in India's Teesta Hydroelectric Project tunnel serve as a stark reminder of the risks involved in tunnel construction, particularly in seismically active regions. While San Antonio is far removed from the Himalayan mountains, the city's own experiences with tunnel projects and underground infrastructure development can inform our understanding of the challenges faced by rescue teams in India. The presence of toxic gases and fragile rock formations in the Teesta River basin underscores the importance of careful planning and safety protocols in similar projects. In San Antonio, where tunnel construction is often necessary for transportation and utility infrastructure, the city's engineers and contractors must contend with their own set of geological challenges, including unstable soils and aquifer systems. As the city continues to grow and develop, it is crucial that local authorities and contractors prioritize worker safety and invest in specialized equipment and training to mitigate the risks associated with underground construction.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 22, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Toxic gas prevented rescuers from reaching 13 workers trapped in a collapsed hydropower tunnel in India on Wednesday after a gas explosion two days earlier killed 12 workers. The blast triggered by a buildup of methane gas tore through the tunnel Monday at the 500-megawatt Teesta Hydroelectric Pr...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 22, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Wasbir Hussain, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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