Guwahati, Jan 7: Nine labourers have been trapped inside a flooded coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district following a sudden surge of water on Monday, as confirmed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The incident occurred at the Assam Coal Quarry in the 3 Kilo area of Umrangso. Initial reports suggest that around 15 workers were inside the mine, though the exact number has not been officially confirmed.
The trapped workers have been identified as Ganga Bahadur Shreth, Hussain Ali, Jakir Hussain, Sarpa Barman, Mustafa Seikh, Khushi Mohan Rai, Sanjit Sarkar, Lijan Magar, and Sarat Goyary, according to a post shared by the Chief Minister.
In his update, CM Sarma expressed his concern, stating, “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.” Kaushik Rai, Assam’s mines and minerals minister, is coordinating the rescue efforts.
The state has called for assistance from the Indian Army, while teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are also en route to help in the operation.
Dima Hasao Superintendent of Police Mayank Jha confirmed that several workers are feared to be trapped. Eyewitnesses say the flooding happened unexpectedly, trapping the workers inside the mine.
Rescue operations are underway, with local authorities, emergency responders, and mining experts working together to free the trapped labourers.
