Dhanbad- Two women have lost their lives and nearly 20 people have fallen seriously ill after inhaling poisonous gas leaking from an underground coal mine fire in Kenduadih, Dhanbad. The mine has been closed for almost 15 years.
Authorities said the leak has endangered almost 10,000 residents across Rajput Basti, Masjid Mohalla, Officer Colony and nearby localities. Many households have already evacuated, while BCCL continues to warn people to leave through loudspeaker announcements. Relief camps have been arranged at two locations.
The gas leak was first noticed on Wednesday near the Children’s Park area, where residents reported severe eye irritation, breathing trouble and other health issues. Several people were hospitalised.
Priyanka Devi died on Wednesday evening, followed by Lalita Devi on Thursday. Investigators believe carbon monoxide or another toxic gas from the damaged mine may be to blame, though forensic confirmation is pending.
Local anger boiled over as residents blamed BCCL for failing to act in time. A protest erupted, with people blocking the Dhanbad–Ranchi main road, burning tyres and demanding immediate relocation and compensation for affected families.
According to BCCL Project Officer Lakhan Lal Barnwal, the mine had trapped pressurised gas underground, which is now escaping through fissures, contaminating an estimated 400-foot radius. Putki-Balihati Colliery Area General Manager G.C. Saha stated that the area is already designated as fire-affected and said permanent safety will only be possible through complete evacuation. Relocation efforts are currently ongoing.
With inputs from IANS