Jharkhand mine collapse: Death toll rises to seven, rescue ops underway

Lalmatia (Jharkhand) [India], Dec. 30 (ANI): Death toll in the Jharkhand mine collapse in Lalmatia rose to seven as investigation into the accident and rescue operations are still underway. According to initial reports, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has said that around 40-50 workers along with some machinery of a private company are suspected to be trapped under the debris. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and enquired about the incident. The Chief Minister has also announced Rs. two lakh compensation to the families of the deceased and Rs. 25,000 for the injured. He also said that stern action would be taken against those responsible for the mine collapse. Discussing about the reason behind this incident, Chairman and Managing Director of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) and Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) Rajiv Ranjan Mishra said, "A higher committee has been formed and a Deputy General Manager will also enquire. The prima facie which has been found is the entire surface has collapsed. This is a unique phenomenon. But let us see what the reports says." Misha further said that three excavators and seven dumpers were present there at the mining site. "According to the rules, one person is allowed per equipment and as two dumpers fled during the incident, so, the number of people trapped may be less than seven," he said. Meanwhile, Power and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal said that government is assessing the situation and rescue efforts are underway. (ANI)