More than 40 coal mine workers were injured in a massive underground blast at an Eastern Coalfields Limited mine in the Parasea Colliery area on Thursday. One worker is also feared dead, though mine authorities are yet to officially confirm the casualty.
Massive explosion rocks underground coal mine
According to sources, the incident took place during the first shift when workers were cutting coal inside Section 27 of the underground mine. Suddenly, a powerful air blast erupted from one layer of the mine, throwing workers in different directions due to the impact.
Workers thrown aside after sudden blast
Several contract workers were also reportedly among the injured. The sudden explosion triggered panic inside the mine as workers were tossed around by the strong force of air.
Several contract workers among injured labourers
Soon after the incident, mine officials launched a rescue operation and shifted the injured workers to Basra Area Hospital and other ECL hospitals for treatment. Most of the injured workers are stated to be in serious condition.
Labour unions allege negligence by authorities
Following the incident, labour unions staged protests demanding an investigation into the cause of the blast. Union leaders alleged that negligence and lack of proper monitoring by the mine authorities could have led to the accident.
