Foreign expert dies in a coal mine in northern Bangladesh

Dhaka, Apr 26 (UNI) A British consultant died and another fell critically ill when they went 350-m deep into a coal mine to examine it in northern Bangladesh today.

An official of the Energy Ministry said British consultants Albert (60) and Nick entered the mine at about 0830 hrs (local time) to examine how to resume the production of a sealed part of the mine at Baropukuria in Dinajpur district.

The official said a rescue team entered the mine after receiving a message from Nick that Albert was missing. Both the consultants were rescued by the team in an unconscious state and taken to a hospital where Albert was declared dead. Nick is presently undergoing treatment.

Authorities are inquiring into the incident.

Chinese company CMC developed the mine about 10 years ago. It went into production in 2004.

In 2005, a part of the mine developed gas leakage and was then sealed.

The British consultants were appointed by the state-owned Petrobangla to examine how the mine could be pressed into production.

UNI