Illegal Coal Mine Collapses in Dhanbad: Dozens Feared Trapped Under Debris

A major tragedy has struck the Dhanbad district, where an illegal coal mining site in the Nirsa area near the Galfarbadi Sanyasi Temple collapsed on Tuesday night. Several workers are feared dead after being buried under the rubble, although official confirmation is yet to be released.

Collapse Triggered by Unsafe Mining Practices

According to local sources, around 50 to 60 laborers were working in the mine late at night, cutting coal in unsafe conditions under the supervision of the mine operators. In pursuit of higher profits, the workers reportedly cut the very pillars supporting the mine. The removal of these pillars caused the ceiling to cave in like a mountain, trapping dozens of workers beneath tons of debris.

Mine Operators Allegedly Hiding Evidence

Following the collapse, mine operators reportedly acted swiftly to remove the injured and conceal evidence. Heavy machinery, including JCBs and bulldozers, was used to fill the mine entrance. Allegations suggest that most of the deceased workers were from West Bengal, and attempts were being made to quietly send the bodies to their families or otherwise dispose of them to cover up the incident. Relatives were reportedly threatened with legal action to ensure their silence.

Illegal Mining Thrives Under Local Protection

The forests around Dudhyapani and Sanyasi Temple have become hubs for illegal coal mining. Powerful local figures run these operations, transporting coal first to nearby kilns via tractors and vans, and then onward to markets in West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh using trucks. Authorities have yet to take decisive action against these illicit operations, raising concerns over the safety of workers and accountability in the region.