Tragedy strikes in Assam: Divers recover body from flooded coal mine, many still trapped
On January 7, a body was recovered from a coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao, two days after water inundated it and trapped nine workers. Divers from 21 Para retrieved the body from the bottom of the well at Umrangso’s 3 Kilo site, while rescue teams from the navy, army, NDRF, and SDRF continued their efforts.
The divers arrived from Visakhapatnam and conducted a thorough assessment before entering the mine. Meanwhile, the SDRF deployed de-watering pumps, which left Umrangso for the site. Additionally, an ONGC de-watering pump was loaded onto an MI-17 helicopter in Kumbhigram, awaiting weather clearance for use.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured the public that Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy had pledged a team from Coal India to assist in the ongoing rescue operation starting Wednesday. Sarma added that the water level inside the quarry had surged to nearly 100 feet.
The trapped workers were identified as Ganga Bahadur Shreth, Hussain Ali, Jakir Hussain, Sarpa Barman, Mustafa Seikh, Khushi Mohan Rai, Sanjit Sarkar, Lijan Magar, and Sarat Goyary. Sarma also noted that the mine “appears to be illegal,” and authorities arrested one individual in connection with the incident.
The police have filed an FIR under Umrangso PS Case No: 02/2025, citing violations of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957. Preliminary investigations suggest the mine was operating illegally. In connection with the case, Punish Nunisa was arrested.
The ongoing rescue efforts highlight the urgency and challenges faced by authorities as they strive to save the remaining workers. While the teams continue their work, the incident has raised concerns about illegal mining operations in the region.
