What Happened to the Six Labourers Missing After a Van Plunged 300 Feet in a Dhanbad Coal Mine?
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Synopsis
A frightening accident at Bharat Coking Coal Limited in Dhanbad leaves six labourers missing after their van plunged into a 300 ft ditch. Rescue operations are ongoing, raising serious concerns about safety standards in the region. Read on for the full report.
Key Takeaways
- Six labourers are missing after a van fell into a deep ditch in Dhanbad.
- Rescue operations are ongoing but hampered by challenging terrain.
- The accident raises concerns over safety standards in coal mining.
- Local residents have joined in the rescue efforts.
- The workers' union alleges violations of safety regulations.
Dhanbad, Sep 5 (NationPress) In a significant incident involving Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) on Friday, a service van transporting six labourers fell into a 300 ft deep ditch following sudden land subsidence, as reported by officials.
The vehicle, owned by a private contractor engaged in outsourced mining operations, was exiting the mine when the ground beneath it gave way, sending the van into the pit. Despite extensive rescue efforts, none of the workers had been found by 6 p.m.
The event caused widespread panic in the vicinity. Senior officials from BCCL, along with personnel from Katras police station, Ramkanali OP, and Angarpathra OP, swiftly arrived at the scene to oversee the rescue operations.
However, the challenging terrain and the depth of the ditch have severely obstructed rescue efforts. Ambulances and medical teams are prepared to offer immediate care once any survivors are discovered.
Local residents have also stepped in to assist with the rescue, while BCCL management has called for an emergency meeting.
Officials emphasized that the primary focus is to locate the trapped workers and save lives. The police indicated that the precise number and identities of those in the van will be verified only after the vehicle is retrieved.
The workers' union has claimed that the outsourcing management has been mining coal in breach of DGMS (Directorate General of Mines Safety) regulations. They assert that trench cutting was not conducted according to established safety standards, which led directly to the mishap.
Additionally, a land subsidence incident occurred in a nearby residential area, causing multiple houses to collapse. This has fueled widespread anger and concern among local residents.
This accident has reignited discussions regarding safety standards in the Dhanbad coal region, which has a history of repeated land subsidence incidents.
On August 27, a woman named Anju Devi narrowly avoided tragedy after falling into a 15-foot pit in the Kendua Kusunda Area-6.
Previously, on August 18, one house was destroyed and five others were damaged due to subsidence in the Jogta police station area.
Point of View
This incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing safety issues in the coal mining sector. It highlights the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations to prevent such tragedies. The Nation stands with the families impacted and calls for immediate action to ensure worker safety.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the van to fall into the ditch?
The van fell into the ditch due to sudden land subsidence, which caused the ground to give way while the vehicle was exiting the mine.
How many labourers were in the van?
There were six labourers in the van at the time of the accident.
What efforts are being made for rescue?
Extensive rescue operations are underway, involving local authorities and medical teams, although the rugged terrain has made the efforts challenging.
What safety regulations are alleged to have been violated?
The workers' union claims that the outsourcing management violated DGMS regulations regarding trench cutting, which directly contributed to the incident.
Has there been any prior incidents of land subsidence in the area?
Yes, there have been previous incidents, including a woman narrowly escaping death after falling into a pit and several houses collapsing due to subsidence.
