#UPDATE | Dima Hasao, Assam: One body recovered from the coal mine at 3 Kilo, Umrangso area where 9 people were trapped on January 6. Search and rescue operation is still underway. pic.twitter.com/E415031HA3
— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2025
On January 6, the labourers were trapped inside the coal mine situated in the 3 Kilo area of Umrangso, after a sudden gush of water flooded the site.
Employees of the quarry said there were around 15 workers inside the mine, though the authorities did not confirm the number.
Navy divers have been requisitioned to assist local authorities in rescuing the labourers, as the water level inside the quarry has risen to nearly 100 feet. The divers flew in from Visakhapatnam and conducted a recce before entering the quarry.
The quarry is about 340 feet deep.
A person has been arrested after the workers were trapped inside the coal mine, which “appears to be illegal”. A case was registered in connection with the incident.
”The police have registered an FIR under Umrangso PS Case No: 02/2025, citing Sections 3(5)/105 BNS, r/w Section 21(1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, to investigate the incident. Prima facie, it appears to be an illegal mine. One Punish Nunisa has been arrested in connection with the case,” Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X.
The chief minister also 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.
Eyewitness accounts and initial assessments suggest that the flooding occurred unexpectedly, leaving the workers unable to escape from the mine.
With inputs from PTI
First Published: Jan 8, 2025 9:55 AM IST
