Heart-Stopping Rescue: One Worker Recovered, Urgent Search Continues for 8 Missing in Assam’s Flooded Coal Mine
Search and rescue teams have recovered the body of one of the nine workers trapped in an inundated coal mine in Dima Hasao, Assam, early Wednesday. The workers became trapped on Monday after a sudden influx of water flooded the mine located in the 3 Kilo area of Umrangso. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma indicated that the mine appears to be illegal and confirmed the arrest of an individual connected to the incident.
Efforts to locate the remaining trapped workers involve teams from the navy, army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). The water level inside the quarry has risen sharply, reaching nearly 100 feet, necessitating the involvement of Navy divers called in from Visakhapatnam. They conducted an initial survey before beginning their search within the quarry.
Earlier, Dima Hasao Superintendent of Police Mayank Kumar Jha countered media speculation that three of the trapped workers were feared dead, according to PTI reports. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has been in touch with Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy, who has promised additional support, including personnel from Coal India, to bolster the ongoing rescue operations.
Additionally, a police case has been filed under Umrangso PS Case No: 02/2025, citing relevant sections of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The primary suspect, identified as Punish Nunisa, has been apprehended. A 35-member NDRF team, headed by Commandant HPS Kandari, is actively engaged in the rescue mission.
As the search continues, officials are focused on navigating the challenging conditions to secure the safe recovery of any remaining individuals trapped in the illegal mine. The incident underscores serious concerns regarding mine safety regulations and the legality of mining operations in the region.
Original Source: https://news.abplive.com/cities/assam-coal-mine-accident-body-of-one-worker-recovered-search-on-to-find-8-others-1742568
Category : Cities
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-01-08 09:28:00
