Kolkata, Oct 5 (IANS): A sudden ingress of water into a coal mine in the Siduli Colliery area of Andal in West Burdwan district of West Bengal on Monday triggered panic among workers, prompting authorities to evacuate them as a precaution.
Two workers sustained injuries in the incident and were later rescued and admitted to a local hospital for treatment, officials said.
According to sources, water unexpectedly started entering the mine from an unidentified point below the ground. The water ingress created alarm among the workers.
Upon learning of the situation, colliery authorities quickly brought all workers to the surface to avert any possible danger. Sources said the relatively low number of workers inside the mine at the time helped prevent a potentially major mishap.
The incident also sparked concern in the residential areas adjacent to the colliery. Local residents complained that tremors were felt and loud noises were also heard in some area close to the colliery. Fearing further danger, some people moved out of their homes with children and elderly members and sought shelter elsewhere.
Questions have also been raised over whether there is any connection between the sudden ingress of water in the mine and the reported vibrations and loud sounds heard in the surrounding residential areas. However, officials said the matter is still under investigation; the exact cause will be known only after the investigation is completed.
The Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) authorities are constantly monitoring the situation, they added.
They are examining whether there is any risk of a major danger in the event of sudden water entering the mine and what could be the real cause of the vibrations and noise in nearby residential areas.
Authorities have reiterated that all workers are safe, and the two injured are being treated.
