Jharkhand coalmine tragedy: Death toll touches 10

The mine collapsed on Thursday night, trapping at least 40 people and many vehicles inside, according to media reports.

"Rescue teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL)/Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), State Government & Experts have been continuously carrying out rescue work at the accident site of ECL’s Rajmahal Open Cast Expansion Project in district Goda, Jharkhand, and unfortunately the casualties have increased from seven in the morning to ten," read a government statement.

Senior Officials of Director General of Mines Safety (DGMS) have arrived at the site and commenced the enquiry in to the incident.

Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDIL) has deployed magneto meters along with imaging system for locating magnetic and conductive material up to a depth of 80 meters.

"ECL is in contact with the families of the deceased and all the necessary help is being extended to them," read the statement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed sadness over loss of lives in a coal mine accident in Jharkhand.

“Saddened by the loss of lives at a mine in Jharkhand. My prayers are with those trapped inside. Spoke to CM Raghubar Das on the situation. Jharkhand Government & Minister Piyush Goyal are working to restore normalcy. NDRF has been engaged for rescue & relief operations”, the Prime Minister said.

Five search and rescue teams of NDRF comprising more than 200 responders have been mobilized to respond to a landslide incident at Gudda district of Jharkhand.

Four teams from Bihar and one team from Ranchi were mobilized for rescue operation.

One team of NDRF which left the NDRF base Patna reached this afternoon and immediately  launched massive search and rescue operation with the help of latest life detector and equipment.

The NDRF responders are displaying true grit and professionalism to locate the trapped victims below the debris with the help of Canine who are trained to detect live victims and live detecting equipment,read a government statement

As victims are trapped under the rubble, due care and diligence is being taken into consideration by NDRF team.

Additional teams are likely to reach the incident site very shortly. Senior officers of NDRF are also present at the site to supervise the on-going operation.

NDRF Control Room in Delhi is monitoring the situation round the close and in touch with other agencies.