Six people trapped in an ECL's abondoned mine

Purulia, Aug 2 (UNI) At least six people were feared trapped when a flash flood from Damodar swept an Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL)'s abandoned mine at Gantiguri village, about 65 kms from here, police tonight said.

Purulia district Superintendent of police Asoke Kumar Prasad said the people, suspected to have been trapped, were extracting coals illegallly.

Neturia police station officer with reinforcments rushed to the scene of accident, some 250 Km west of Kolkata, for rescue operation after hearing the news this evening.

Mr Prasad said details of the accident could not be ascertained immediately. He said a police team from Neturia was sent for rescue operation.

He said, according to first hand report the abandoned mine was almost at the river level of Damodar and due to monsoon rains, flash flood swept the area and water gusted into the pit.

UNI XC PC ARB KN2340