Bengal: Tragic blast at Birbhum coal mine, 5 dead, several workers injured
PTC News Desk: A tragic explosion at a coal mine in West Bengal's Birbhum district on Monday claimed the lives of at least five individuals. The incident occurred at the Gangaramchak Mining Private Limited Colliery (GMPL), situated in the Lokpur Police Station area, during coal extraction activities.
According to local reports, the blast, which happened during coal crushing operations, resulted in multiple casualties and injuries. Those injured were swiftly transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
Preliminary reports indicate that the explosion may have been accidental, occurring while workers were engaged in blasting for coal extraction. The blast caused widespread panic, prompting several employees and officials from GMPL who were present on-site to flee the scene. The sudden nature of the explosion led to chaos, as the workers attempted to escape the dangerous situation.
Local authorities, including police teams, were quick to respond, arriving at the colliery to manage the situation and ensure the safety of those who remained in the vicinity. Police officers initiated an evacuation process to protect the remaining workers from further harm. Rescue and relief efforts are currently ongoing, as authorities continue to assess the situation and provide aid to those affected.
A local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA has also reached the location, where they are personally overseeing the rescue operations. The presence of the political leader emphasizes the severity of the incident and the need for swift action to ensure the well-being of those involved.
As police continue their operations, they are working to contact the families of the deceased to inform them of the tragic losses. The full extent of the damage and the exact cause of the explosion are still under investigation, and authorities are expected to release more information as the situation develops.
- With inputs from agencies