Assam Coal Mine Tragedy: One body recovered, rescue ops continue for eight others

Efforts underway to rescue the labourers trapped inside a coal mine, in Assam's Dima Hasao district.

Rescue operations in Assam’s Dima Hasao district continued on Wednesday, with the recovery of one body from the coal mine in the 3 Kilo area of Umrangso, where nine workers had been trapped since Monday. The recovery, made by army divers on the third day of operations, comes as hopes for the survival of the other eight workers diminish.

The workers had become trapped after a sudden gush of water flooded the coal mine. Divers located the body early in the morning, although the identity of the deceased has yet to be confirmed.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to X to confirm the recovery, stating, “21 Para divers have just recovered a lifeless body from the bottom of the well. Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family.” He assured that the rescue operation was continuing with full force, with personnel from the army, navy, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) working tirelessly at the site.

Sarma also noted that the mine appeared to be illegal, and that the police had arrested one individual in connection with the incident. Navy personnel are also at the site, making final preparations to dive in after the army and NDRF divers.

Rescue teams remain hopeful but the conditions at the site continue to pose significant challenges.