Lagatar24 Desk
BIRBHUM: A tragic coal mine explosion at Gangaramchak Mining Private Limited Colliery (GMPL) in West Bengal’s Birbhum district has claimed the lives of at least six people, while one person remains critically injured. The explosion occurred around 10:30 am on Monday, October 7, in the Lokpur police station area, during coal-crushing operations at the colliery.
Authorities reported that a truck loaded with detonators for planned blasting activities exploded while unloading, leading to the fatal incident. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, with two others reportedly out of danger, according to West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Pant.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Local police and rescue teams immediately rushed to the scene. Bolpur ASP Rana Mukherjee confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing, and the West Bengal government has announced compensation and job assistance for the families of the victims. “The government has pledged ₹30 lakh for the families of the deceased, ₹2 lakh for the injured, and job assistance for one member of each affected family,” Chief Secretary Pant stated.
Investigations Launched
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the blast. Forensic teams are on site to gather evidence, while PB Salim, Chairman and Managing Director of the West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited (WBPDCL), stated that assistance is being provided to the affected workers. “The explosion occurred in the dump yard of the coal block. Those killed were workers deployed for mine operations,” Salim told PTI.
The incident has caused shock and grief among the local community, with a local BJP MLA visiting the site to oversee the ongoing efforts. Families of the deceased are being contacted as further assistance is provided.
This tragic accident highlights the dangers faced by workers in mining operations, and authorities are expected to take steps to ensure such incidents do not occur again.
