Coal mine collapses in Jharkhand, 50 workers feared trapped

Ranchi: A coal mine in the Lal Matia colliery of Godda district in Jharkhand collapsed on late Thursday night. Over 50 workers are feared trapped in the mine, police said.

According to Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), "About 40-50 workers are suspected to be trapped inside the debris along with some machinery of a private company operating in the coal mine."

There were, however, initial reports of as many as 10 labourers being trapped inside.

The coal mine is owned by Eastern Coalfields, a subsidiary of the government-owned Coal India Limited.

The rescue operation is underway and that an National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team from Patna has been deployed to the site of the accident. “As of now, there are different versions of how many machines, vehicles and people are trapped. Relief and rescue operations are being initiated,” a senior police official stated.

The NDRF team said that several injured workers have been admitted in the nearby hospital.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das stated that he was closely monitoring the situation. According to the police officials, the CM has directed the Deputy General of Police and Chief Secretary to initiate relief and rescue operations at the earliest.