A major mine subsidence occurred at the Maa Ambe Mining Project under Katras area of Dhanbad. After the incident, death of one worker is confirmed, while six others remain missing. The incident occurred around 11 am in the Munda Dhaura patch when a BCCL service van carrying seven workers was swallowed by a 400-foot deep cavity. The van was later pulled out using a payload machine, but the missing labourers are yet to be traced.
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Four Houses and a Cattle are Collapsed
The sudden collapse also buried four houses and a cattle shed, creating panic in the area. Villagers said several cattle were trapped under the debris. In the chaos, four people sustained injuries while trying to escape and were admitted to a private hospital in Katras. Angry residents staged protests at the site, alleging negligence and demanding strict action against the mining authorities.
Administration and Rescue Teams on Ground
Rescue operations were launched immediately by BCCL, supported by police, CISF, and a team of divers from Munidih. Officials of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), including Director Bal Krishnan, arrived to supervise the operation and conduct a technical assessment. Senior district officials, including SDM Rajesh Kumar, CO Girjanand Kisku, and BCCL General Manager Rajkumar Agrawal, remained on site to coordinate relief measures.
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Incident Raised Concerns about Safety Standards
The incident has once again raised concerns about safety standards in coal mining areas of Dhanbad, often referred to as India’s coal capital. Frequent subsidence incidents in the region have long been a matter of concern for both residents and authorities. A detailed probe by DGMS and district administration is expected to identify lapses and recommend preventive measures to avert similar tragedies in the future.
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