JHARSUGUDA: A driver died on the spot after a Hywa Tipper fell 50 metres deep into Samaleswari Open Cast Mine (SOCP) under Ib Valley area of MCL on Tuesday morning.
The driver has been identified as Gelu Maghi from Maghipara of Lajkura village under Brajrajnagar police limits.
He was removing over burden (OB) from the top stair of the mine when the vehicle slipped. This is the second such incident to have taken place in SOCP in 30 days.
Soon after, angry workers and villagers stopped production and dispatch of coal from the mine and staged a demonstration with the body demanding `50 lakh compensation for the victim’s family.
A group also ransacked SOCP project office and damaged property. The villagers called off their stir only after compensation and a job for a kin was assured by the MCL authorities.