Three killed, several feared trapped as illegal coal mine collapses in Dhanbad

Three people were killed and several others are feared to be trapped after an illegal coal mine collapsed in Dhanbad district of Jharkhand on Sunday morning, Vimalesh Chaubey, Regional President of the National Colliery Mazdoor Union, said.

The collapse occurred around 7 a.m. at Keshalpur Kumharpatti, under the Ramkanali OP area of Katras in Dhanbad district.

Chaubey said several men and women had entered the illegal mine tunnel to cut and collect coal when the roof of the tunnel suddenly caved in, leaving multiple people buried under the debris.

"Some men and women had gone into the illegal tunnel to cut and pick coal. The upper part of the tunnel suddenly collapsed, burying several people under the debris. Following the accident, nearby villagers rushed to the scene and began removing the debris using spades, pickaxes, and other tools. We know that three people are confirmed dead," Chaubey said.

Three injured people were pulled out from the site and later taken to a local nursing home for treatment, he said.

Chaubey said residents in the area suspect that more people could be trapped beneath the debris.

Rescue operations have been intensified amid fears that additional people may remain buried under the rubble.  (with inputs from media organisations)