WB: 6 dead in Gangaram Chak coal mine blast in Birbhum
Oct 07, 2024
Birbhum (West Bengal) [India], October 7 : Six people were killed in a blast at the Gangaramchak coal mine in West Bengal's Birbhum district on Monday.
The explosion occurred when a truck carrying detonators arrived at the colliery for unloading, and a detonator detonated during the process.
Speaking to ANI, Assistant Superintendent of Police in Bolpur, Rana Mukherjee, said, "After the explosion in the mining area, we arrived and found six bodies. Three others were injured and are currently receiving treatment in hospital. The West Bengal government has announced jobs for the families of the victims."
Additionally, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Pant announced compensation for the victims' families. The government will provide Rs 30 lakh, and an additional Rs 2 lakh, along with a government job for a family member of each victim. Pant further stated that six bodies had been recovered, one person remains critically injured, and two others are now out of danger.
The police promptly arrived to manage the situation, and a forensic team will conduct an investigation into the cause of the blast. Sources said the company involved is also expected to provide compensation to the affected families.
Speaking to ANI, one of the labourers said, "There has been a blast at the mine where workers have died. We are not sure how many casualties there are, but we came to the site to investigate."
"It's hard to believe how this happened, as there was no security where these workers were operating. There was no security at all. What can we say? It's a tragic situation. We are demanding compensation for the affected families and a government job for each of them," he added.