Assam: 3 of 9 workers trapped in coal mine dead; Navy roped in for rescue operation

At least three of the nine workers trapped in a flooded coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district have reported died even as rescuers race against time to pull out the rest to safety, Indian Express reported.

The labourers were trapped in the mine on Monday (January 6), after a sudden gush of water flooded the site. The incident took place at the Assam Coal Quarry, situated in the 3 Kilo area of Umrangso in the district.

Deep divers have entered mine: CM

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday (January 7) morning said that deep divers from the Navy have been roped in for the rescue operations as the water level inside the mine has risen to nearly 100 feet.

“Deep divers from the Army are also at the site and have entered the mine as part of their rescue mission,” Sarma posted on X.

‘15 workers were inside mine’

According to employees of the quarry, there were around 15 workers inside the mine, though the authorities did not confirm the number.

In a post on X on Monday, Sarma listed the names of the trapped labourers – Ganga Bahadur Shreth, Hussain Ali, Jakir Hussain, Sarpa Barman, Mustafa Seikh, Khushi Mohan Rai, Sanjit Sarkar, Lijan Magar and Sarat Goyary.

Also read: Water enters coal mine in Assam's Dima Hasao, several feared trapped

In an earlier post, Sarma said, “Distressing news from Umrangshu, where labourers are trapped in a coal mine. The exact number and status are yet unknown. The DC, SP and my colleague Kaushik Rai are rushing to the site. Praying to God for everyone's safety.” Rai is the state's mine and mineral minister.

Army’s assistance sought

The army's assistance has been sought in the rescue operation, Sarma said.

“The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are also on their way to the incident site to aid in the efforts,” Sarma said.

Dima Hasao Superintendent of Police (SP) Mayank Jha told reporters that several labourers are feared trapped.

Also read: Delhi: House of rat-hole miner involved in Uttarakhand tunnel rescue op razed

Rescue underway

Eyewitness accounts and initial assessments suggest that the flooding occurred unexpectedly, leaving the workers unable to escape from the mine.

Rescue operations were launched immediately with teams consisting of local authorities, emergency responders and mining experts working to locate and free the trapped workers, the officials said.

(With inputs from agencies)