Death Toll Rises to Three in Umrangso Coal Mine Tragedy, Search for Six Miners Continues

Umrangso, Assam – Rescue operations at the waterlogged coal mine in Umrangso, Dima Hasao district, have recovered a third body, bringing the death toll in the tragic incident to three. Authorities are now focusing on locating the six miners who remain trapped since January 6.  

While the identity of the third victim is yet to be confirmed, search teams are continuing their efforts despite challenging conditions. Earlier in the day, another body was recovered and identified as Ligen Magar, a 27-year-old resident of 1 No. Umrangso in Dima Hasao. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the details in a statement.  

The rescue operation, which involves Army divers from the 21 Para Special Forces, has faced significant hurdles due to the flooded condition of the mine. On January 8, the first victim was recovered and identified as Ganga Bahadur Srestho, a native of Udayapur district in Nepal.  

Rescuers are currently focusing on pumping out water to access deeper sections of the mine and continue their search for the remaining trapped miners. Despite the slow progress, teams are determined to carry on until all individuals are accounted for.  

Addressing the incident, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that the coal mine was declared abandoned 12 years ago. However, he emphasized that the site was not being operated illegally. His remarks have sparked debates over the safety protocols and monitoring of such abandoned sites to prevent future disasters.  

As rescue operations progress, families of the missing miners wait anxiously for updates, holding on to hope amid an overwhelming tragedy. The incident has raised pressing questions about the safety measures in mining operations and the need for stringent oversight of abandoned mines.