Talcher: Rescue workers Wednesday dug out nine men from Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) Bharatpur open cast mine where a landslide late Tuesday night trapped many.
Each of the rescued men has sustained serious injuries. At least 20 other workers are still believed to be trapped inside the debris, said locals.
A spokesperson of MCL Dikken Mehra, however, clarified to PTI that one person has died and three more are under the debris.
The incident occurred at about 1:00am last night while coal blasting was underway. Under effect of the blast, a portion of land collapsed causing a landslide and trapping as many as 20-30 workers, heavy vehicles and mining equipment.
On intimation, mining officer, district police, fire personnel and social workers reached the spot and began a rescue operation.
After five hours of combined efforts at the mine, the MCL’s security staff, police and Fire Services staff managed to rescue nine workers. The injured were rushed to the Central hospital for treatment.
According to sources, the injured got trapped following a landslide due to blasting for coal exploration at the site.
Meanwhile, tension erupted at the site following the incident. Even though the district administration has deployed adequate number of police force keeping in view the palpable tension among workers, the situation continues to remain volatile.
