Jharkhand News: Four youths died due to leakage of poisonous gas during illegal excavation in a closed coal mine in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district. The accident occurred on Saturday in the Argadda forest area on the Giddi-Ramgarh border, when some youth had gone inside the mine for excavation. Among the dead, two youths were residents of Ramgarh and two of Hazaribagh district.
Three companions who came to save one also became victims of the accident.
According to the information, a young man first fell unconscious inside the mine after being hit by poisonous gas. To save him, his three companions came down one by one, but they too fell unconscious due to the effect of the gas. The deceased have been identified as Ashish Rajwar (25), Kishore Ravani (35), Deva Kumar Bedia (25) and W Bedia (30). Among them, Deva Kumar Bedia and W Bedia were residents of Sirka Argadda area of Hazaribagh district, while Ashish Rajwar and Kishore Rawani were residents of Sirka Buddha Bazar area of Ramgarh.
Mines rescue team was called
After receiving information about the incident, local police and villagers reached the spot. After this the Naisarai Mines Rescue Team of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) was called. A 14-member rescue team carried out the operation, of which seven members descended inside the mine with safety equipment. After about an hour of struggle, all four youths were taken out. Everyone was immediately taken to the hospital.
Investigation revealed high levels of poisonous gases inside the mine.
Doctors declared two youths dead on reaching the hospital, while two others died during treatment. According to administrative officials, preliminary investigation has revealed that the amount of oxygen inside the mine is very low and the level of poisonous gases is high.
It is believed that all four died due to suffocation. However, the exact cause of death can be confirmed only after the post mortem report. After the incident, the post mortem process is being conducted under videography. Police has started the investigation of the matter. Local people say that the danger of gas leakage in the closed mines of the area has been there for a long time. Meanwhile, BJP state president Aditya Sahu expressed grief over the accident, accused it of administrative negligence and demanded accountability in the matter.