Ranchi, Sep 13 (IANS) Three people were killed, and several others are feared trapped under debris after an illegal coal mine collapsed in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad district on Sunday morning, Vimalesh Chaubey, Regional President of the National Colliery Mazdoor Union, said.
The accident took place at around 7 a.m. in Keshalpur Kumharpatti, located in the Ramkanali OP area of Katras in Dhanbad district.
According to Chaubey, a number of men and women had entered the illegal mine tunnel to cut and collect coal when the upper portion of the tunnel suddenly collapsed, trapping several people beneath the debris.
“Some men and women had gone into the illegal tunnel to cut and pick coal. The upper part of the tunnel suddenly collapsed, burying several people under the debris. Following the accident, nearby villagers rushed to the scene and began removing the debris using spades, pickaxes, and other tools. We know that three people are confirmed dead,” Chaubey said.
He said that three injured people were also rescued from the site and subsequently admitted to a local nursing home for treatment.
Chaubey added that locals fear that several more people could still be trapped beneath the debris following the collapse. The possibility of additional people being buried under the rubble has led to intensified rescue efforts at the site.
According to reports, illegal coal extraction has been taking place through tunnels in the area, with coal extracted from these unauthorised mines reportedly being transported and sold in nearby markets using motorcycles.
At the time of the accident, people had reportedly entered the tunnel to cut and collect coal in a similar manner when the structure suddenly gave way, resulting in the collapse and trapping those inside.
Following the incident, police reached the spot and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the mine collapse.
Authorities are also monitoring the rescue operation as efforts continue to determine whether more people remain trapped under the debris.
–IANS
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