Tragedy struck the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand as an illegal coal mine collapsed, claiming the lives of at least three individuals, including a child. The incident occurred in the Dhanbad district, where a number of workers are feared to be trapped inside the ill-fated mine. Although the police officials, cited by Press Trust of India, have confirmed "multiple deaths," only one body has been recovered thus far.

Sanjeev Kumar, the senior superintendent of police (SSP) in Dhanbad, provided insight into the situation, stating, "Portion of BCCL (Bharat Coking Coal Limited) open mine collapsed. One body has been recovered. A number of deaths are being verified. We are waiting for BCCL's report. Action will be taken according to the report."

Eyewitnesses reported that local villagers were involved in illegal coal mining activities at the site when the catastrophic incident unfolded. Prompt action by nearby residents enabled the extraction of three individuals from the debris, who were subsequently rushed to a hospital. Tragically, they were pronounced dead by attending doctors. Reports from India Today suggest that the collapsed mine's roof trapped a substantial number of people, raising concerns about the potential for an increased death toll.

As per the reports, the unauthorized mining operation was allegedly being carried out by ATD Prabha Outsourcing Company. The sudden roof collapse triggered panic among workers, resulting in a fatal stampede as they attempted to flee the scene urgently. Five individuals sustained injuries and were promptly transferred to a nearby hospital for medical attention, as facilitated by the authorities.

Meanwhile, illegal mining activities continue to pose a significant threat in Jharkhand, with recent incidents highlighting the dangers. In one incident, at the West Modidih colliery of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd, an illegal mining operation caused the mine wall to collapse. Four individuals lost their lives and several others sustained injuries.

Similarly, in Hazaribagh, a labourer tragically lost his life when an illegal mining venture at the Tapin Colliery of Central Coalfields Limited resulted in the collapse of the mine, burying the worker under debris. These incidents underscore the urgent need to address and curb illegal mining practices in the region.

Image source: PTI