2 dumpers buried after landslide at Ukani coal mine, drivers escape to safety

Yavatmal: A massive overburden located along the edge of the Ukani opencast coal mine of Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) in Wani suddenly collapsed, burying two dumpers under the mound on Friday. No casualties were reported.According to sources, the incident occurred when excavation work was underway at the mine. Within seconds, a large quantity of soil came crashing down. Drivers of the dumpers managed to jump out in time, said sources.Senior officials reportedly visited the site and initiated a preliminary inspection and panchnama process. WCL officials at the headquarters in Nagpur confirmed the development saying that the cause would be determined after an inquiry, which would by a panel including a team of Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) also.Workers and labour unions demanded action against the officials concerned, alleging that the landslide was "man-made rather than natural." Workers claimed that safety norms were being ignored during excavation and operational planning inside the mine. Mining operations at the site have reportedly been affected temporarily.