Assam Coal Mine Incident; 3 dead, Rescue Operation Continue

GUWAHATI-   At least three of nine trapped in a flooded coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district have been confirmed dead.

The incident occurred on Monday morning when the miners, aged between 26 and 57, were working at a depth of around 300 feet.

The mine flooded after they accidentally breached a water source. Initial rescue efforts by locals saved some workers but nine remained trapped.

Also Read- Chhattisgarh: 9 killed after Naxals Blow Up Police Vehicle In Bijapur

Six other workers remain trapped, and rescue operations are ongoing with the involvement of multiple agencies, including the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

The mine is located in the hilly, remote region of Umrangso, where rescue operations are complicated by difficult terrain and the hazardous nature of the flooded mine. Despite the challenging conditions, rescue teams, including NDRF and Army deep divers, have been working tirelessly to reach the trapped miners. Navy divers have also been put on standby to assist with the rescue efforts.

Also Read-  Sikkim: Lachung-Katao Bailey bridge collapses

As of now, 17 miners have been rescued, but no communication has been possible with the remaining workers. The trapped miners include individuals from Assam, West Bengal, and Nepal.

Rescue teams began their efforts around 9 AM today, nearly 24 hours after the incident occurred. The initial assessment of the situation was carried out by the first team of NDRF and Army personnel who entered the mine around 8:45 AM.

According to local reports, the anxious family members and co-workers of the trapped miners have been waiting desperately for news of their loved ones, praying for their safe return.

Also Read- Assam: China plans to build world’s largest dam over Brahmaputra river

The region has witnessed numerous similar mining accidents over the years, with the dangerous practice of “rat-hole mining” often leading to such disasters. The practice, which involves workers descending into narrow tunnels to extract coal, poses significant risks, particularly when flooding or other mishaps occur.

The authorities are continuing their efforts to rescue the remaining trapped workers, with hopes that the ongoing rescue operation will bring a successful conclusion to this heartbreaking ordeal.