Jharkhand: Mine collapses in Lalmatia, 40-50 workers trapped underneath

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das is monitoring the situation closely.

Jharkhand, December 30: In yet another tragedy, a mine in Lalmatia, Jharkhand collapsed during the early hours of Friday morning. Approximately forty to fifty mine workers along with machinery belonging to a private company have been trapped beneath the rubble.

The Latmatia mines are part of the Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) in the Godda district of Jharkhand. The mine was guarded by a CISF sentry, who luckily managed to stay safe. The electricity supply to the mines have also been hit. As the tragedy struck during the wee hours of the night in a region blanketed by thick fog, rescue operations could not commence immediately.

However, a National Disaster Response Force has set off from Patna and will commence rescue and relief work shortly. Additional manpower comprising of 1 Go’s; 2 inspectors,21 CISF from ECL’s Sheetalpur headquarters have been rushed to the site. The workers were operating at a depth of 200 feet below ground.

Meanwhile, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das is monitoring the situation closely and has asked concerned officials to intensify rescue operations. Union power and coal minister Piyush Goyal is also taking stock and commented on the disaster saying, “rescue efforts underway; enquiry has been initiated.”

Mine collapsed in Lalmatia in Jharkhand last night pic.twitter.com/VYpYOBIEuY

— ANI (@ANI_news) December 30, 2016

Godda: Mine collapsed in Lalmatia in Jharkhand last night, many workers feared trapped. (injured being given medical aid in a hospital) pic.twitter.com/ixCjRNT3fS

— ANI (@ANI_news) December 30, 2016

Jharkhand (Lalmatia) mine collapse: 40-50 workers feared trapped under the debris, rescue operations on. NDRF team from Patna on the way. pic.twitter.com/E0q9MLdDuR

— ANI (@ANI_news) December 30, 2016

Jharkhand (Lalmatia) mine collapse: 40-50 workers feared trapped under the debris, rescue operations on. NDRF team from Patna on the way. pic.twitter.com/fYyK0XAhmI

— ANI (@ANI_news) December 30, 2016