In a devastating incident that unfolded on Friday morning, an illegal mine in Jharkhand's Bhowra colliery area collapsed, leading to the loss of multiple lives. As per the initial reports, at least three individuals have been confirmed dead, while several others are feared to be trapped underneath the debris.

The mishap occurred around 10:30 am within the Bharat Coking Coal Limited's (BCCL) Bhowra Colliery Area, situated approximately 21 kilometers away from the region's center. Authorities, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Abhishek Kumar from Sindri, have been deployed to the site to coordinate the rescue efforts and assess the full extent of the casualties.

According to an eyewitness account, the tragedy unfolded when a segment of the mine unexpectedly gave way. It was revealed that numerous local villagers were engaged in unauthorized mining activities at the time of the collapse. Swift action was taken by both locals and emergency responders, managing to extricate three individuals from the rubble. Unfortunately, upon reaching the hospital, doctors declared them deceased.

The rescue operation, spearheaded by the Bhowra police station Inspector Binod Oraon, is currently underway, with every effort being made to locate and save any individuals who may still be trapped. BCCL's Bhowra Colliery General Manager, SS Das, has also arrived at the scene to oversee the rescue operation personally, ensuring that all necessary resources are allocated to expedite the process.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illegal mining operations and the urgent need for enhanced safety measures. The state of Jharkhand had already witnessed a similar tragedy in February 2022, when five lives were lost in an abandoned mine belonging to Eastern Coalfields in the Gopinathpur area of Dhanbad.

(With PTI Inputs)