Tragedy Strikes at Abandoned Coal Mine
In Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district, a section of an abandoned open-cast coal mine collapsed early on Saturday, claiming the lives of four villagers and injuring four others. The incident took place at the Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) mine in Sugiya village, located in the Kuju police station area.
Identities and Rescue Operations
The deceased were named as Md Imtiyaz, Rameshwar Besra, Wakil Karmali, and Nirmal Munda — all residents of nearby villages 0. Rescue teams from CCL and local authorities cleared debris and confirmed no additional individuals were trapped 1.
Timeline of Events
The collapse occurred during illegal coal extraction activities at the abandoned mine. Officials reported that more than a dozen villagers were mining when a large wall of earth gave way, burying several workers under debris 2. First responders recovered the bodies and provided medical treatment to the injured.
Protests and Demands for Justice
Hundreds of villagers and activists from the Jharkhand Lok Kalyan Manch (JLKM) staged a protest, laying the bodies at the gate of the CCL’s Karma project office, demanding compensation and employment opportunities for victims’ families 3. Local leaders and politicians, including MP Manish Jaiswal and Union MoS Sanjay Seth, condemned the illegal mining and urged authorities to take strict action 4.
Investigations Underway
Ramgarh SP Ajay Kumar confirmed a formal investigation has been launched. CCL’s Kuju area GM R.K. Sinha coordinated rescue efforts. Police and mining officials are probing the circumstances that led to the collapse to hold responsible parties accountable 5.
Wider Implications and Historical Context
This is not the first cave-in at illegal mining sites in Jharkhand. The region has witnessed recurring tragedies due to unsafe practices at abandoned mines. A stark reminder is the 1975 Chasnala disaster, India’s worst mining accident, where water and earth collapsed into the pit, killing 375 workers 6.
Source: The Times Of India