Second Body Recovered in Assam Coal Mine Tragedy as Rescue Operations Continue

Another worker, on Sunday, recovered dead from the flood-ravaged coal quarry in the Dima Hasao district of Assam bringing the seventh day of the rescue operation. The deceased has been named as Lijen Magar of Kalamati village aged 27 years taking the number of bodies recovered to two after the tragedy that occurred on Monday.

The mishap occurred when nine workers lost their lives being stuck 340 feet deep in an Umrangsu mine due to the water spurt. The first one identified as a Nepalese laborer was found on Wednesday. However, the Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted his condolences as the rescue operation was still underway and said sorry to the concerned families mourning their near and dear ones.

Another body was recovered from the Umrangsu mine a short while ago, marking the third recovery so far. The identification process is currently underway. https://t.co/h8i1ExehcT

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 11, 2025

Dewatering operations are still going on selectively and ONGC and Coal India are providing technical assistance and have used some sophisticated machinery for this purpose. The operation continues for teams to respond to find still entrapped miners making it one of the most difficult rescue missions within the region.

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