1 dead, 23 injured in ECL mine blast in Burdwan

Jamuria: One worker was killed and 23 others injured after a roof fall triggered a powerful air blast inside the Parasia colliery of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) in the Kunustoria area of Jamuria, West Burdwan on Thursday.The incident occurred between 9.45 am and 10 am, shortly after workers had entered the mine for duty. According to workers, around 40 ECL employees were engaged in coal-cutting operations nearly 580 feet underground and about 150-200 feet from the spot where the roof fall took place.A loud sound was heard from inside the mine moments before a roof-fall warning siren was issued, prompting workers to evacuate. Soon, a strong air blast swept through the underground section. Several workers were flung aside by the force of the compressed air and sustained injuries, while others escaped with minor injuries after lying or sitting on the ground for protection.The deceased was identified as 56-year-old Debai Munda, a clip man employed with ECL and a resident of Munda Para. He died on the spot.Following the incident, ECL's rescue and medical teams rushed to the colliery and launched rescue operations. The injured workers were taken to ECL Hospital and Mission Hospital in Durgapur for treatment.The accident sparked panic outside the mine as relatives of the injured and deceased gathered at the site. Discussions were underway between the authorities and workers' representatives regarding compensation for the victim's family and employment for one of his relatives.Kalimuddin Ansari, area secretary of CMSI CITU, demanded a full investigation into the incident. He said, "We have demanded a thorough probe into the accident. Any negligence regarding workers' safety will not be tolerated. An agreement has also been reached to provide a job to the deceased worker's son."Parasia Colliery personal manager Sanjay Sorang said, "I will not be able to comment on the investigation into the accident. Senior authorities will speak on the matter."A senior official of ECL said that air blasts generally occur when mined-out areas are not properly filled with sand after coal extraction. "Improper sand stowing often leads to instability inside the mine, which can trigger an air blast. However, the exact reason behind this incident will only be known after a detailed investigation," the official stated.