Dhanbad coal mine accident: Over a dozen trapped as illegal coal pit caves in

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A section of an illegal coal mine caved in at Keshargadh in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad district late Tuesday night, with reports suggesting that nearly a dozen workers could be trapped beneath the debris, according to News18.

The incident unfolded under Baghmara police station limits. Notably, the illegal coal traders themselves began rescue efforts, with no official response confirmed yet.

As per News18, illegal coal mining activity was in full swing when the ground suddenly caved in, trapping several labourers working inside. Though eyewitnesses claim that nearly a dozen people might be buried, no official statement has been released so far, the report said.

This accident has also raised serious questions about the inaction of local authorities regarding illegal coal mining in the region. Keshargadh and nearby areas have long been famous for unauthorised coal mining operations.

According to the report, such accidents are not uncommon here, and many lives have been lost over the years. Locals allege that such large-scale illegal operations cannot happen without the involvement, or at least the negligence, of certain officials.

Usually, in such emergencies, police or government rescue teams rush to the scene. But in this case, illegal miners quickly took control of the rescue work, allegedly to avoid exposure and prevent any official crackdown. As a result, there is no official confirmation on the actual number of victims or their condition.