A harrowing incident unfolded in a copper mine in Rajasthan’s Neem ka Thana district, where 15 officials of Hindustan Copper Limited were trapped since last night. The situation culminated on Wednesday as all 15 workers were successfully rescued, albeit with one casualty feared dead, according to officials.
Neem ka Thana Collector, Sharad Mehra, informed that the 14 rescued workers were promptly sent to SMS Hospital in Jaipur for medical treatment, while one individual, feared dead, was taken to a company hospital for examination.
The unfortunate event occurred when a team of fifteen personnel from the public sector company descended into the mine on Tuesday night for an inspection. Tragedy struck as the cage used to transport the personnel malfunctioned, leading to the workers being trapped underground.
The team, consisting of members from the vigilance department and other officials, encountered a fatal mishap when the cage collapsed due to the breakage of a rope while ascending.
The rescue operation kicked off immediately after the incident was reported, with teams of emergency responders and mine safety personnel mobilized to the site. Despite the challenges posed by the precarious conditions in the mine, rescuers worked tirelessly to extricate the trapped workers.
After hours of painstaking efforts, all 15 workers were successfully rescued from the mine. However, the joy of the rescue was tempered by the tragic news of one worker feared dead. The identity of the deceased worker has not been disclosed pending notification of the family.
The rescued workers were rushed to SMS Hospital in Jaipur for medical attention. The severity of their injuries remains undisclosed at this time, but medical teams are providing necessary care and treatment.
Meanwhile, the worker who is feared dead was taken to a company hospital for examination. Authorities are conducting investigations into the incident to determine the exact cause and circumstances leading to the tragic accident.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the inherent risks associated with mining operations and the importance of stringent safety measures. Hindustan Copper Limited and other mining companies are urged to prioritize the safety of their workers and ensure that all necessary precautions are in place to prevent such accidents in the future.
As the rescue operation concludes and the investigation begins, the thoughts and prayers of the community are with the affected workers and their families during this difficult time.