January 11th 2025.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the bodies of three workers who were trapped inside a coal mine in Assam's Dima Hasao district have been recovered. The rescue operations have been ongoing since Monday, when a sudden influx of water flooded the quarry and left nine workers trapped inside.
According to an official, the first body was retrieved on Wednesday, and now a total of four bodies have been recovered. The latest three were found during the rescue operations on Saturday morning. The first deceased worker, who was from Nepal, was found on January 8. The other three were identified as Ligen Magar, a 27-year-old resident of Kalamati village, and two others whose identification is currently underway.
The bodies were found in a mine that is 340 feet deep, and the rescue team had to use the help of army and National Disaster Response Force divers to retrieve them from the water. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been providing updates on the situation, and he recently announced the recovery of the third body. He also shared his condolences and expressed hope for the recovery of the remaining trapped workers.
The rescue operations have been ongoing for six days now, and the chief minister has assured that they will continue with determination and perseverance. The dewatering process, which involves pumping out water from the quarry, has been ongoing since Thursday. Specialized machines from ONGC and Coal India have been brought in to aid in the process.
The chief minister has clarified that the mine was not illegal, but rather abandoned for 12 years before being taken over by the Assam Mineral Development Corporation three years ago. He also mentioned that the workers were not regular employees of the mine, but rather entered for the first time to extract coal.
Amidst the ongoing rescue operations, there have been allegations of involvement from a family member of Dima Hasao Autonomous Council's Chief Executive Member Debolal Gorlosa. However, the chief minister has urged not to politicize the situation and focus on the human tragedy at hand.
As the rescue efforts continue with determination, the entire state of Assam mourns for the loss of the workers and prays for the safe return of the remaining trapped miners. The chief minister has been closely monitoring the situation and has assured that all resources are being utilized to bring the workers back to their families.
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