In Jharkhand, seven bodies have been recovered so far from the crushed open-coal mine site of Bhorai of Lalmatia in Rajmahal of Godda district while about 40 coal miners along with many heavy machines and vehicles are feared trapped underground. The accident took place when earth around the coal mine collapsed yesterday evening.<br/><br/>Jharkhand government has announced ex-gratia payment of two lakhs rupees each to the kins of dead and 25 thousands rupees for the injured. Joint teams of Coal India, NDRF and State government are undertaking rescue and relief operations in full swing. State Chief Secretary and DGP are on the spot. <br/><br/>Eastern Coalfields Limited, ECL has announced an ex-gratia compensation of 5 lakh rupees each to the family of the deceased, in addition to the amount to be paid under the Workmen's Compensation Act. Coal Ministry said in a release that all the necessary help to the families of the deceased is being extended by ECL. An inquiry has been ordered in the incident by the Director General of Mines Safety and a High Level Committee of Experts has been constituted by Coal India Limited to investigate into the causes of the accident. <br/><br/><br/>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the death of miners in Jharkhand. In a tweet, he said, he is saddened by the loss of lives there. He said, his prayers are with those trapped inside. <br/><br/>Mr Modi said, he has spoken to Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das on the situation. The Chief Minister along with Union Minister Piyush Goyal are supervising restoration of normalcy. <br/><br/>Chief Minister Raghubar Das also expressed grief over the incident and has asked Deputy Commissioner of Godda to speed up the rescue efforts. All senior officials have been asked to stay at the site, he said on twitter.
News On AIR | December 30, 2016 4:05 PM
Jharkhand coal mine mishap: Seven bodies recovered; PM condoles loss of lives