Child Among 3 Killed As Illegal Coal Mine Collapses Near Dhanbad

At least three people were killed and many feared trapped when an illegally operated coal mine collapsed near Dhanbad. 

The incident occurred this morning at the Bhowra Colliery Area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited. The mine had been declared closed.

Local residents reached the spot, began pulling out people from the debris and rushed five people to nearby hospitals. Three people - a child, a woman and a 25-year-old man - were declared dead. 

An inspector from the Jorapokhar police station, who was present at the spot, said they had received information that several people were stuck under the debris after a portion of a coal mine had caved in. "More information will be known only after investigation," he said. 

Witness Vinod Kumar Sudhakar said, "The authorities were slow to react despite us informing them about the collapse. We pulled out a few people and sent them to hospitals. We will protest until a First Information Report is registered. Illegal mining is widespread here and many complaints have been made, but no action has been taken."

"The result of ignoring the complaints is before us," he added.

Another local resident said, "Illegal mining is a daily occurrence here. A similar incident had happened in the area some time ago. Some people had been injured, but there were no deaths. We have made several complaints, but to no avail."