Coal mine explosions toll touches five

Guwahati, Nov 15 (UNI) The toll in the twin coal mine explosions at the Coal India Ltd-operated Lachit colliery in eastern Assam's Tinsukia district has risen to five.

Two more injured miners succumbed during the last two days. Reports received here said the miners succumbed at Kolkata where they were taken for treatment.

Altogether six of the 17 injured were shifted to Kolkata, of whom three have expired so far.

The condition of the other three was also stated to be serious.

In separate mishaps of hot air burst in the Lachit colliery within a span of four days beginning November four, five miners were injured in the first incident, while 12 were hurt in the second incident. Two had succumbed earlier.

The colliery remained closed indefinitely as per an order by the Director General of Mine Safety, government of India, following the incidents.

The officials of the colliery were also being questioned by the higher ups for the cause of the accidents as it had raised questions on the safety of miners.

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