Assam: Three coal workers trapped in illegal Patkai Hills coal mine

In Patkai hills, three coal workers remain trapped underground following a landslide in an illegal mining operation. The incident occurred around 12:30 PM at the illicit Tikok West Mining site between Bargolai and Namdang located under the Tikok Colliery in Ledo.

The four laborers were engaged in underground mining when the disaster struck. While three workers were inside the mine extracting coal, a fourth laborer was stationed outside, assisting with the coal's transportation. Suddenly, a landslide sealed the mine's entrance, trapping the three workers inside. The sole survivor, who witnessed the collapse, reported the incident.

Among those trapped is Dawa Cherpa from Bhujpur, Nepal, and two workers from Meghalaya, known only by their first names, John and Fenaal. Authorities, including police and senior officials from North East Coalfields arrived at the scene and have launched a desperate search and rescue operation. Despite their efforts, no signs of the trapped miners have been found thus far.