Sonbhadra Mine Accident: Four More Bodies Recovered; 15 Workers Feared Trapped Under 75-Ton Rock

Sonbhadra (Uttar Pradesh): The death toll in the Sonbhadra mining tragedy has risen to five, as rescue teams recovered four more bodies on Monday morning from the debris of the collapsed stone quarry in the Obra region. The accident occurred on November 15 at the Billi Markundi stone mine, where a massive rock slab broke loose during drilling operations and buried several workers under tonnes of rubble.

Teams from the NDRF, SDRF and local administration have been carrying out an intensive rescue mission for more than 40 hours, battling harsh terrain and a giant boulder that continues to obstruct operations. Officials said that several workers are still feared trapped under the debris.

75-Ton Rock Collapsed During Drilling

According to officials, the rock slab—estimated to weigh nearly 75 tons and located at a depth of about 300 feet—collapsed suddenly while around 15 workers were engaged in drilling. Some managed to escape, but many were crushed or trapped beneath the massive chunk. The exact number of trapped workers remains uncertain.

Two Brothers Among the Deceased

The four workers whose bodies were recovered between Sunday night and early Monday include two brothers, Indrajeet Yadav (32) and Santosh Yadav (30), residents of Panari village’s Karmasar Tola.
The other victims have been identified as Ravindra alias Nanak from the Kachnarwa area of Kon, and another unidentified worker.
On Sunday, the body of Raju Gond, a resident of Amreniya, was recovered. All bodies have been sent for post-mortem to the district hospital.

Giant Boulder Slows Down Rescue Operations

Rescue officials say a huge, extremely hard rock formation lying over the debris has become the biggest hurdle. Until it is completely removed, estimating the number of surviving or deceased workers beneath it remains difficult. The District Magistrate, who is camping at the site, has deployed additional machinery and manpower to speed up the operation.

Safety Standards Under Scrutiny

The incident has triggered serious questions about safety protocols at the mine run by Shri Krishna Mining Works. A probe committee has been set up to examine the drilling procedures, equipment condition, and compliance with safety measures.
Families of the victims have accused the mining authorities of negligence and demanded compensation along with strict action against those responsible.

The administration has announced an ex-gratia relief for the families and assured that the matter will be investigated thoroughly.