SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, September 10: Several illegal miners are feared trapped after the roof of the closed Kapasara coal mines, operated by Eastern Coalfield Limited (ECL), collapsed on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred approximately 39 km from the district headquarters.
According to local eyewitnesses, the roof of the abandoned mines caved in at around 3 pm with a loud noise. They claim that several illegal miners were extracting coal from the mines when the collapse occurred.
Authorities deny reports of trapped individuals
Despite the claims made by residents, senior officials from the district administration and police have denied that any individuals are trapped inside the mines.
Upon receiving information about the roof collapse, Circle Officer (CO) of Egyarahkund Block Krishna Kumar Marandi, Nirsa SDPO Rajat Manik Bakhala, and Nirsa Police Station Officer-in-Charge Manjit Kumar immediately rushed to the scene to inspect the closed mines.
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They thoroughly assessed the area to determine if anyone had been trapped, as reported by the locals.
No evidence of trapped miners found
Addressing the media at the site, both CO Marandi and SDPO Bakhala confirmed that no evidence of anyone being trapped inside the mines had been found.
“The administration will, however, engage with ECL officials to discuss measures to prevent illegal mining activities in the closed mines,” Marandi stated.
The Kapasara Colliery, which is located in the Mugma Area of ECL, has been abandoned for some time.
“Since there was no trace of any person trapped in the incident, no rescue measures were initiated in the abandoned mines,” CO Marandi further informed the media.
