In a tragic incident, one body was recovered from a coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district on Wednesday, nearly 48 hours after at least nine workers were trapped due to flooding. The body was recovered by divers from the 21 Para regiment at the bottom of the mine, with rescue teams continuing their efforts to locate the remaining workers. The identity of the deceased has not been confirmed yet.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared the heartbreaking news on X, stating, “21 Para divers have just recovered a lifeless body from the bottom of the well. Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family.”
Divers and experts from various agencies, including the Indian Army, Navy, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have been working tirelessly since Tuesday to rescue the trapped workers. Sarma further confirmed that personnel from the army and NDRF had entered the well, with Navy divers preparing to join the operation shortly.
The situation remains dire as the trapped workers are believed to be located 300 feet beneath the surface in the flooded mine. Confusion surrounded the rescue efforts on Tuesday as reports varied, with some suggesting that nine workers were trapped, while others raised the number to as high as 15.
On Tuesday, Navy divers joined the rescue teams after helmets and slippers were spotted floating in the water, raising concerns that some workers may not have survived. However, officials have denied reports that bodies were found, despite initial information suggesting three bodies were spotted by state authorities.
As the search continues, Chief Minister Sarma indicated that the mine appeared to be illegal. In a related development, one person was arrested, and a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder was filed against him for operating the mine and employing the workers.
With heavy rainfall in the area complicating the operation, SDRF de-watering pumps were being rushed to the site, while an additional pump from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) was being flown in to assist in the de-watering efforts. Despite the challenges, rescue teams are determined to continue their search for the remaining workers, with hopes that they will be found soon.
The tragedy highlights the growing concern over the safety of workers in illegal mines, as rescue operations continue to provide aid to the victims and their families.
Sources By Agencies