Singrauli Mine Collapse Claims Three Lives, Including Two Minor Girls
A devastating incident unfolded in Singrauli district on Sunday when a chhui mine collapsed, resulting in the tragic deaths of three individuals, including two minor girls, and leaving two women with serious injuries. The catastrophe has prompted a swift response from local authorities, who have initiated rescue operations and announced compensation for the affected families.
Details of the Tragic Accident
The collapse occurred around 1:21 pm in Parasohar village, located within the jurisdiction of the Jiyawan police station. According to police reports, locals were engaged in digging chhui soil for personal use when a tunnel-like cavity formed during the excavation suddenly gave way. This unexpected collapse buried those inside under a heavy mound of soil, leaving little time for escape.
The victims who lost their lives have been identified as Preeti Singh, aged 10, and Basanti, aged 16, both residents of Harhawa village, along with Phoolmati Yadav, 50, from Bandha village. The injured women, Kaushalya Singh, 50, of Parasohar and Sakmuni Singh, 45, of Chandre, were rescued in an unconscious state and immediately rushed to a nearby hospital. Medical officials have reported that one of them remains in serious condition, highlighting the severity of the incident.
Rescue Efforts and Official Response
Upon hearing screams from the site, villagers quickly rushed to the scene and began frantic digging using spades in an attempt to rescue those trapped. Police personnel from the Kundwar outpost and Jiyawan police station soon arrived to assist in the efforts. To enhance the rescue operation, a JCB machine was later deployed, allowing for more efficient excavation of the collapsed soil.
SP Singrauli Manish Khatri provided details on the incident, stating, "The locals were digging up soil for their personal use and made a tunnel-like structure, which collapsed. Locals and police rushed for rescue and two of those trapped were rescued alive, while three—including two minors—died. The condition of one of the rescued women is also serious." Police have confirmed that five people, including women and children, were involved in the digging when the collapse occurred.
Compensation and Administrative Actions
In the wake of this tragedy, Singrauli Collector and District Magistrate Gaurav Benal expressed profound grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each from the Red Cross fund for the families of the deceased. Additionally, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has declared a relief package, offering Rs 2 lakh to the kin of each deceased individual and Rs 50,000 to each injured person. This state relief is intended to supplement the compensation already provided by the district administration.
Police have initiated inquest and post-mortem procedures as part of the ongoing investigation into the collapse. Authorities have assured that the situation is now under control, with further action to be taken upon completion of the inquiry.
Suspension and Awareness Drive
In a related development, Bandha gram panchayat secretary Satish Dwivedi has been suspended due to alleged negligence. This action followed revelations that prior registration under the Sambal scheme for one of the deceased had not been completed. District Collector Gaurav Benal explained, "The two deceased were minors, making them ineligible, and one of the women was a major; however, she too was not registered under the Sambal scheme. If she was registered, then her kin were eligible for compensation under the Sambal scheme too. So, action was taken against the secretary."
To prevent similar incidents in the future, instructions have been issued to launch an awareness drive, urging people to avoid such hazardous digging practices. This initiative aims to educate the community on the dangers associated with unauthorized excavation and promote safer alternatives.
