Desperate Search: 9 Still Trapped as Water Soars to 100 Feet in Illegal Coal Mine – Official Denial of 3 Bodies Found
Efforts to rescue nine workers trapped in a flooded coal mine in Dima Hasao district, Assam, have intensified as personnel from the navy, army, NDRF, and SDRF work together. The incident occurred on Monday when sudden flooding in the 3 Kilo area of Umrangso left the miners stranded. Rescue teams are actively dewatering the mine, where water levels have risen nearly 100 feet.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed that the mine seemed to be operating illegally, with one individual, Punish Nunisa, arrested in connection with the incident. Authorities have registered an FIR under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. While rescue operations continue, specialised navy divers from Visakhapatnam are aiding the mission but have yet to locate the miners.
Special Director General of Police Harmeet Singh stated that rescue operations are the priority, with divers from various forces conducting searches. Dima Hasao SP Mayank Kumar Jha dismissed reports of fatalities, affirming that no bodies had been discovered. A 35-member NDRF team and specialists from the army and Assam Rifles, equipped with diving equipment and lighting for night operations, are on the ground.
Chief Minister Sarma expressed his gratitude for the military’s quick response and shared the names of the trapped workers, urging for their safe return. The incident has prompted Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi to call for a Special Investigation Team probe, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation while hoping for the miners’ safe rescue.
Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy assured support, with Coal India’s team set to join rescue efforts on Wednesday. Rescue operations have persisted non-stop since the incident, with all efforts concentrated on safely retrieving the trapped miners while investigating the mine’s illegal operations.
Original Source: https://news.abplive.com/cities/assam-coal-mine-9-still-trapped-as-water-rises-to-nearly-100-feet-in-illegal-dima-hasao-coal-mine-navy-divers-join-recue-ops-1742530
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Publish Date: 2025-01-07 23:28:00
