Bengal news: At least 6 dead in Birbhum coal mine explosion, another critical

At least six people were killed and another critically injured in a coal mine explosion on Monday, October 7, in West Bengal's Birbhum district.

The blast occurred at Gangaramchak Mining Private Limited Colliery (GMPL) in the Lokpur Police station area. Local reports said the injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

“6 bodies have been recovered. One is severely injured, his condition is serious, and two are out of danger,” West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Pant said.

According to West Bengal Police, the explosion occurred around 10:30 am in Bhadulia block when a truck loaded with a detonator came for unloading for planned blasting activities; the detonator exploded in the process.

“After the explosion in the mining area, we reached here and found six bodies, three people were injured who are undergoing treatment in the hospital, and the West Bengal government has announced to give jobs to the families. The company will also give compensation and the forensic team will investigate the reason behind this explosion,” Bolpur ASP Rana Mukherjee said.

"The West Bengal government has announced ₹30 lakhs as compensation for the deceased's family and ₹2 lakhs to the injured. One member of the deceased's family will get a job," the West Bengal Chief Secretary added.

Meanwhile, authorities are in the process of contacting the families of the deceased.

The blast reportedly took place during coal-crushing operations, which caused injuries among employees.

“The incident occurred in the dump yard of the coal block. An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause of the blast. Those killed in the explosion were workers of the agency deployed for mine operations. Currently, we are providing assistance to affected workers,” PTI quoted WBPDCL Chairman and Managing Director PB Salim.

Rescue operations are underway, with local police evacuating workers from the site.