New Delhi: Several workers were trapped inside an underground coal mine operated by Eastern Coalfields Limited in West Bengal's Paschim Bardhaman district on Monday following a mechanical failure that stopped the mine's lifting cage midway.
The incident occurred at the Kumardihi A underground mine as a rope slipped off the
pulley drum and disrupted the underground transportation system used to transfer workers underground and back.
Satish Jha, Chairman and Managing Director, ECL, addressed the technical failure and updated that the workers were stranded at a depth of about 50 meters; the pulley system extends to around 90 meters. There were no casualties at the time of his statement.
The stranded workers were provided with food and water as the rescue operations were underway to restore the lifting mechanism and evacuate them safely.
Rescue Operations Underway
ECL officials confirmed that communications with the workers are being maintained and that there is adequate ventilation available inside the mine. The rescue operations continued under the supervision of senior district administration officials. Police personnel were deployed at the site.
The State authorities said that the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissioner, Paschim Bardhaman district magistrate, chief secretary, and home secretary were actively coordinating with ECL.
This incident raises concerns over safety precautions and preventive measures in the mining sector.
Reports say up to 14 workers were trapped
According to a report by India Today, about 10 to 14 workers were trapped in the mishap, although no official count was given. It also pointed out that the issue with the lifting equipment was persistent despite several repairs in the past.
