Bengal coal mine scare: Workers trapped 50 metres underground after pulley failure
Several workers were trapped around 50 metres underground at a coal mine in West Bengal's Paschim Bardhaman district on Monday after a technical fault in the pulley system halted the movement of the lifting cage, media reports said.
The incident occurred at the Kumardihi A underground mine operated by Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL).
Rescue operations were launched after a rope slipped off the pulley drum, disrupting the mechanism used to transport workers in the cage.
Food, water supplied to trapped workers
ECL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Satish Jha confirmed that there were no casualties and said food and water had been supplied to the trapped workers.
"There were no casualties, and food and water had been supplied to the trapped workers. Work was underway to bring them out safely," Jha said.
He added that the workers were stranded at a depth of approximately 50 metres, while the pulley system extended to around 90 metres.
Rescue operations underway on war footing
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said rescue efforts were being carried out on a war footing following the technical failure.
According to Adhikari, ECL authorities had informed the state government that the miners were trapped because of a fault in the lift mechanism.
Communication with the workers was being maintained, and adequate ventilation was available inside the mine.
The chief minister said ECL officials were working to repair the damaged system and expressed hope that the workers would be rescued quickly.
Senior officials monitor situation
Adhikari said senior officials, including the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissioner, the Paschim Bardhaman district magistrate, the chief secretary and the home secretary, were in contact with ECL authorities.
A police team was deployed at the mine, while senior district administration officials were also present to monitor the situation and coordinate the response.
Rescue efforts were continuing as authorities worked to restore the lifting mechanism and bring the trapped workers safely to the surface.
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