7 Workers Killed, Several Injured in Coal Mine Blast in West Bengal's Birbhum

Birbhum: At least seven workers were killed and several others were injured after a blast was reported at a coal mine in West Bengal's Birbhum district, on Monday.

According to media reports, a massive explosion took place at Gangaramchak Mining Private Limited colliery, located in Birbhum's Lokpur area, during the coal crushing process.

The incident was reported at around 10.30 am in Bhadulia block, news agency PTI, citing a police officer, said.

"So far, we have recovered three bodies. Rescue operations are on," he said.

The explosion occurred when detonators were being transported for planned blasts at the Gangaramchak and Gangaramchak-Bhadulia coal mines, a WBPDCL official said.

A mine developer and operator (MDO) runs operations at the captive block.

The explosion occurred when detonators were being transported for planned blasts at the Gangaramchak and Gangaramchak-Bhadulia coal mines, a WBPDCL official said.

Local BJP MLA Anup Saha, who visited the spot, said, "At least five people have been killed and three others injured. Their condition was stated to be critical. The explosive materials were unloaded from a truck without proper precautions." "The incident occurred in the dump yard of the coal block. An investigation has been initiated to asertain 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," WBPDCL Chairman and Managing Director P B Salim told PTI.

A mine developer and operator (MDO) runs operations at the captive block.

WBPDCL, a com­pany owned by the West Ben­ga government, has five power plants and its installed capacity stands at 4,265 MW. In the current fiscal, an additional 660 MW thermal capacity is expected to be added. 

(With PTI inputs)