Ranchi — Three people were killed and several others are feared trapped after an illegal coal mine collapsed in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad district on Sunday morning, a labour union leader said.
The incident occurred around 7 a.m. at Keshalpur Kumharpatti in the Ramkanali OP area of Katras, according to Vimalesh Chaubey, Regional President of the National Colliery Mazdoor Union.
Chaubey said a group of men and women had entered an unauthorised mine tunnel to extract and collect coal when the roof of the tunnel suddenly caved in, 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,” he said.
Three injured persons were pulled out from the collapsed mine and taken to a nearby nursing home for treatment, Chaubey added.
The possibility that more people remain trapped has triggered intensified rescue efforts, with local residents continuing to clear the debris in search of survivors.
Illegal coal extraction through unauthorised tunnels has reportedly been taking place in parts of the area. Locals allegedly extract coal from such sites and transport it on motorcycles for sale in nearby markets.
The latest incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with unregulated coal mining in the Dhanbad region, where abandoned and unauthorised mine workings can pose serious hazards to people entering them.
Police reached the site after the collapse and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities are also overseeing the rescue operation and assessing whether additional people remain trapped beneath the debris.
–IANS