Assam Coal Mine Tragedy: More Bodies Recovered as Rescue Operations Continue for Trapped Workers

UMRANGSO: Rescue teams recovered three more bodies on Saturday from a flooded coal quarry in Assam’s Umrangso area, Dima Hasao district, bringing the death toll to four.

The quarry had trapped nine workers following a sudden inflow of water earlier this week. While one body was recovered on Wednesday, five miners remain unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue. 

“The body recovered today has been identified as 27-year-old Lijen Magar, a resident of Kalamati village in Dima Hasao,” an official stated. Another body, previously identified, belonged to a worker from Nepal. 

Earlier this morning, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed condolences and shared an update via X, “Rescue efforts in Umrangso continue with unwavering resolve. Tragically, another body was recovered this morning, with the identity yet to be confirmed. Our hearts go out to the grieving as we hold onto hope during this difficult time", he tweeted when the second body was recovered.

The flooded quarry, which is about 340 feet high, is a nightmare for the rescue crews. The dewatering operations are also in place along with advanced machinery deployed by ONGC and Coal India. According to officials, the specialized pumps were continuously operational to reduce the water levels.

Teams remain in high gear as the operation enters its sixth day in an effort to locate and rescue the rest of the workers in mines. State authorities and local officials are closely monitoring the situation.  This tragic incident has drawn attention to the safety protocols at such mining sites. 

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