Bastar: At least seven people have died after a limestone mine collapsed on them during excavation in a forested area near Maalgaon village in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district on Friday. At least 15 are feared trapped under the debris, Chief Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar said.
The area in question, located under Nagarnar Police Station, houses the mine largely consisting of lime soil. "The villagers had come to the mine to collect the soil when it caved on them. While Several got trapped, seven villagers who were rescued initially all died.
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While five of them died as soon as they were rescued, two others were rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared them dead. Many are still feared trapped. The exact number of people who were trying to extract lime soil has not yet been ascertained," Kumar added.
Following the incident, SDRF and police have been deployed at the spot to carry out relief and rescue operations. JCB machines have been deployed at the spot for rescuing those trapped, he further added.
Later in the day, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel offered his condolences, also announcing ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the family of the deceased. "May God give peace to the souls of the departed laborers and courage to their families. Also, I wish speedy recovery of the injured. Praying that other stranded people come out safely.
"I announce an assistance of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased labourers. The district administration has been instructed to provide better treatment to the injured" he said in a tweet.
