Rescue teams are racing against time to save at least nine miners trapped inside a coal mine in l Dima Hasao district of India’s Assam state after it collapsed due to water flooding from a nearby unused mine. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, has claimed the lives of three miners, while six others remain trapped as rescue operations face severe challenges.
Cause of Collapse
Authorities confirmed that water inundation from an adjacent abandoned mine led to the collapse, cutting off the workers’ escape route and filling the mine with water. Witnesses reported the flooding occurred suddenly, leaving little time for the miners to evacuate.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Army, and Navy divers have been deployed to rescue the trapped workers. Heavy machinery is being used to pump out water and remove debris, while divers attempt to navigate the waterlogged passages to locate the missing miners.
“The water level is extremely high, making it difficult to reach the workers. Efforts are underway to create a safe access point,” said an NDRF official on-site to local media.
Casualties Confirmed
Three miners have reportedly lost their lives inside the flooded mine, but their bodies have not yet been recovered. Local officials have refrained from confirming additional casualties until more information becomes available, according to The Asian Age.
Families Seek Answers
Distraught families of the trapped workers have gathered near the site, anxiously awaiting updates. Many have raised concerns over the lack of safety measures in place at the mine.
“My brother has been working here for years, but they never ensured proper safety. We only hope he is alive,” local media reported as the sibling of one of the trapped miners saying.
Safety Concerns in Assam’s Coal Industry
The accident has once again spotlighted the safety conditions of Assam’s coal mines, many of which are poorly regulated. Experts have criticized the lack of adherence to safety protocols in privately operated mines in the region, calling for stringent action to prevent such tragedies.
“The government must step in to ensure compliance with safety standards. These accidents are preventable if proper regulations are enforced,” said a representative from a local labor rights group, according to ABC News.
Government Response
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and ordered an inquiry into the incident. He assured that all resources are being deployed to rescue the trapped miners and prevent further loss of life.
Ongoing Operations
As rescue operations continue into their third day, the situation remains grim. Authorities are working around the clock to drain the water and stabilize the mine structure to prevent further collapse.
The incident has drawn comparisons to similar accidents in other coal-mining regions, highlighting the urgent need for reforms in India’s mining sector.
(With inputs from agencies)
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