Did a Toxic Gas Leak from a Closed Coal Mine in Dhanbad Claim Lives?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a shocking incident in Dhanbad, two women have tragically lost their lives due to toxic gas leakage from a closed coal mine. The situation has left around 20 others ill and prompted mass evacuations in the vicinity. Residents are protesting against BCCL for negligence, demanding immediate action and compensation.
Key Takeaways
- Two fatalities reported due to toxic gas leak.
- Approximately 20 individuals hospitalized.
- Mass evacuation of nearly 10,000 residents initiated.
- BCCL urged residents to evacuate and set up relief camps.
- Protests ongoing demanding accountability and compensation.
Dhanbad (Jharkhand), Dec 4 (NationPress) Tragedy struck as two women lost their lives and about 20 individuals fell seriously ill after toxic gas began leaking from an underground fire at an abandoned coal mine in Kenduadih, located in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district. This alarming incident has been ongoing for two days, according to officials on Thursday.
Approximately 10,000 residents from Rajput Basti, Masjid Mohalla, Officer Colony, and neighboring areas have been impacted by the leak.
As conditions deteriorated, numerous families evacuated their homes. Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) issued urgent announcements urging residents to leave the area. The company has established temporary relief camps at two sites for those displaced.
The leak originated on Wednesday from the closed mine near the Children’s Park in Kenduadih. Residents reported severe eye irritation, breathlessness, and various other symptoms, which necessitated multiple hospitalizations.
The local administration is aware of the situation and has promised to find a resolution soon.
Priyanka Devi passed away on Wednesday evening, with Lalita Devi following on Thursday.
Officials suspect that carbon monoxide or another hazardous gas from the underground mine may have caused the fatalities, although the definitive cause will be confirmed post-mortem.
Tensions escalated on Thursday as local residents protested against BCCL for alleged negligence. They blocked the Dhanbad-Ranchi main road, burned tires, and shouted slogans against both the district administration and the company. Protesters have stated they will maintain the blockade until affected families are relocated to safer locations and adequately compensated.
BCCL Project Officer Lakhan Lal Barnwal explained that the gas had been trapped under pressure in the mine, which has been inactive for nearly 15 years, and is now escaping through cracks, affecting an area of about 400 feet.
G.C. Saha, General Manager of the Putki-Balihati Colliery Area, emphasized that the locality has already been designated as fire-affected, noting that an effective long-term solution will necessitate complete evacuation. He confirmed that the safe relocation of residents is currently in progress.
Point of View
It is crucial for the authorities to act decisively and prevent such tragedies in the future.
NationPress
05/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the toxic gas leak in Dhanbad?
The toxic gas leak is believed to be caused by an underground fire at a closed coal mine in Kenduadih, which has been inactive for nearly 15 years.
How many people were affected by the gas leak?
Around 10,000 residents have been affected, with two fatalities and about 20 individuals falling ill due to inhalation of the toxic gas.
What measures are being taken for the affected residents?
Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) has established temporary relief camps and is currently in the process of relocating residents to safer areas.
What are the symptoms reported by residents?
Residents have reported symptoms such as severe eye irritation, breathlessness, and other health complications.
Is there any ongoing protest related to the incident?
Yes, local residents are protesting against BCCL for alleged negligence and demanding compensation and safe relocation.
