A body was recovered by rescuers early Wednesday from a coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, nearly 48 hours after flooding trapped at least nine workers inside.
“21 Para divers have just recovered a lifeless body from the bottom of the well. Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family,” Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X.
Rescue operations began on Tuesday, with divers and experts from the army, navy, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) joining the efforts.
Sarma stated that the rescue operation is in full progress, with army and NDRF divers already entering the well. He mentioned that Navy personnel are on-site, preparing to dive in afterward. Additionally, SDRF de-watering pumps are en route, while an Oil and Natural Gas Corporation pump is being airlifted. However, ongoing rainfall in the region could potentially hinder the rescue efforts.
The workers are believed to be trapped 300 feet underground in the flooded coal mine. On Tuesday, confusion surrounded the exact number of trapped individuals, with some officials reporting nine, while others suggested the number could be as high as 15.
Navy divers joined the rescue efforts on Tuesday, hours after army, NDRF, and SDRF personnel spotted helmets and slippers floating in the water, sparking fears of fatalities. However, officials denied a report from the state information department that claimed three bodies had been found.
On Tuesday, Sarma stated that the mine appeared to be illegal based on initial findings. He confirmed that one person had been arrested, and a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder was filed against him for operating the mine and employing the workers.
