Fate of trapped miners uncertain in Jharkhand

Dhanbad, Sept 7: The fate of some 56 miners trapped inside a BCCL mine at Bhat-Dih remained uncertain as rescue operation was hampered today by emission of toxic gas triggered by last night's huge explosion.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda rushed to the accident site to take stock of the situation.

Mr Munda said the government would bear the expenses of treatment and if the matter of compensation comes at all it would be provided to the victims.

Since the accident took place the authorities have been desperately trying to establish contact with the miners.

A rescue team comprising experts from the Central Coalfield Limited, Bharat Coking Coal Limited and Central Industrial Security Force swung into action, official sources told UNI over phone, adding that constant emission of toxic gas has rendered the site 'nearly' inaccessible.

The authorities apprehended that a fire might break out as the mine was full of gas. Sources said four miners, who managed to come out last night, were burnt and lost consciousness. They were admitted to hospital.

At about 2000 hrs last night, water entered the mine and flooded it after a detonation near one of its inside walls.

UNI