A major accident took place in a coal mine in Paschim Bardhaman district of West Bengal on Monday evening. Around 12 to 14 workers of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) got trapped about 200 feet below the ground due to lift failure in Kumardih ‘A’ Colliery in Asansol. There was chaos in the mine after the incident. Rescue operation is going on to safely bring out the workers trapped in the mine.
According to the information, this incident took place at Kumardih ‘A’ Colliery of Bankola area of ECL. On Monday evening, the workers were riding in the lift used to go inside the mine. This lift is called ‘Doli’ in the local language. Meanwhile, there was a technical fault in the lift and the workers got stuck underground. According to preliminary information, the wire or rope that operated the lift had become entangled in the drum installed in the engine room. Due to this, the operation of the lift suddenly stopped and the workers got stuck below.
How many workers are trapped, different claims
Different statements have come out from officials and trade union representatives regarding the number of workers trapped in the mine. Initial information said that 14 laborers were trapped. However, later an ECL official said that about 10 to 12 workers were trapped below. At the same time, trade union representatives have said this number to be between 12 to 14.
The exact number of stranded laborers has not been officially confirmed yet.
Water and food being delivered to laborers
As soon as information about the incident was received, rescue and repair work was started in the mine. An attempt is being made to free the lift rope from the drum. For this, an attempt is being made to rotate the drum in the opposite direction, so that the operation of the lift can be started again after opening the rope safely. Trade union leader Mintu Banerjee said that the timing of the rescue operation will depend on how much time it takes to resolve the technical fault. He expressed apprehension that it may take two to three more hours to evacuate the workers.
He said that drinking water, dry fruits and other food items are being supplied to the workers trapped below with the help of ropes. According to an ECL official, there is no shortage of fresh air inside the mine. The workers trapped below are continuously responding and contact is maintained with them.
MLA said- First of all it is necessary to evacuate the workers safely
Local MLA Jitendra Tiwari said that at present the first priority is to safely rescue all the workers trapped in the mine. He told that the workers are responding from below and food has also been delivered to them. The MLA said that how the accident happened and whether there was any negligence in the security arrangements should be investigated after the workers come out safely.
Jitendra Tiwari said that after this the role of trade unions, safety committees and concerned officials will also be investigated. If any kind of negligence comes to light then strict action should be taken
The lift was repaired a few months ago, then how did the problem occur?
After this incident, questions have also been raised on the maintenance and safety of the equipment used to transport workers in the coal mines. The workers claim that the lift was repaired only a few months ago. Despite this, a technical fault occurred again. The workers alleged that even before this there had been incidents of the doli getting stuck and problems had also come to light regarding its rope.
—- End —-
Source link
[ad_3]
