Dhanbad cave-in: 10 houses collapse, 4 persons injured

Dhanbad: At least 4 persons were injured after 10 houses collapsed due to land subsidence at Tandabari Basti under Baghmara block in the district on Thursday night.

Residents reported hearing a loud rumbling sound moments before the ground caved in, forcing families to flee their homes in terror. Several individuals were trapped under the debris but were rescued by other villagers, who acted swiftly and shifted the injured to nearby medical facilities. One of the injured being treated at a private hospital is stated to be in a critical condition.

Manoj Singh, a resident, recounted the terrifying moments, stating that he was preparing dinner when the ground suddenly began to shake. “We rushed out of the house. Within moments, nearly 10 houses in the vicinity were swallowed by the earth,” he said.

Another resident, Naresh Bhuiyan, expressed anguish over the recurring incidents. “This is the third such subsidence incident. We were already planning to move to a safer place, but this tragedy struck before we could act,” he said, highlighting the constant fear.

Soon after receiving information, district administration and Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) officials rushed to the site and initiated relief and rescue operations. However, the incident sparked resentment among residents against both the administration and BCCL management, with locals alleging negligence and lack of preventive measures.

Locals alleged that extensive coal mining by BCCL has hollowed out the land beneath, making it extremely vulnerable to such disasters. They claimed that the area has now turned into a danger zone, leaving people living for generations displaced overnight.

Baghmara circle officer Girja Nand Kisku said that around 21 families are currently living under open skies. He said that rehabilitation of affected families to a safer location is the administration’s top priority, along with the shifting of a nearby primary school.

Dhanbad sub-divisional officer (SDO) Lokesh Barange said that discussions have been held with BCCL officials regarding immediate arrangements. “Our prime objective is to ensure basic amenities for the affected families. They are being shifted to safer locations, including Belgaria, and temporary relief camps are being set up,” he added.