ECL: 14 Workers Rescued After Being Trapped 200 Feet in Underground Coal Mine

Fourteen workers who were trapped approximately 200 feet underground following a lift malfunction at an Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) coal mine in West Bengal’s Paschim Bardhaman district have been rescued.

The incident occurred at Kumardihi ‘A’ Colliery in ECL’s Bankola area when the lift used to transport workers between the surface and underground workings developed a technical fault, leaving the miners stranded underground. The rescue operation was launched to bring all the trapped workers safely to the surface.

According to preliminary reports, the lift malfunction was linked to a rope becoming entangled with the pulley drum in the engine room. The technical failure halted the lift’s operation, prompting ECL personnel to initiate efforts to restore the mechanism and evacuate the workers.

Rescue Operation Brings Workers to Safety

Rescue teams worked to rectify the mechanical fault and restore the lift’s functioning. During the operation, arrangements were reportedly made to supply drinking water and food to the trapped workers.

The incident triggered concern among workers and their families, while ECL management and local authorities monitored the situation. The successful rescue of all 12 workers brought the immediate emergency to an end.

CMD of Eastern Coalfields Limited, Dr. Satish Jha told www.indianpsu.com “ECL demonstrated resilience and technical competence in rescuing 14 trapped miners in cage at Kumardih UG mine”.

To sum it up, a major tragedy has been averted due to the quick and timely response of ECL top management.

And as they say – All is Well that Ends Well!