LUCKNOW: The death toll in the mishap involving the collapse of a stone mine in Sonbhadra district of eastern Uttar Pradesh rose to six with the recovery of five more bodies from the site on early Monday morning, official sources said.
The incident took place in the Billi Markundi mining area in Sonbhadra on late Saturday afternoon.
One body, trapped under the debris, was recovered on Sunday by the rescue team.
Confirming the recovery of five bodies, Sonbhadra DM Badrinath Singh said that the rescue operation was underway. The local sources claimed that more labourers were feared trapped under the debris.
The deceased were identified as Santosh Yadav, Indrajit Yadav -- both brothers -- Ravindra alias Nanak, a resident of Kachnarwa village under Kon police station area of the district, Raju of Amrenia Chopan village, Ramkhelawan of Panaari Tola and Kripashankar of Karmasar Panari village.
While Ravindra’s body was identified by his wife, the identities of Santosh and Indrajeet were ascertained by his brother Chhotu Yada, who was present on the spot, said a senior police official.
It was Chhotu Yadav who submitted a complaint, and Sonbhadra police lodged an FIR against the firm operating the mine in the area.
As per a senior National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) official, two NDRF teams, including 80 rescuers, are engaged in rescue operations at the site. “One team comprises 40 NDRF rescuers.
Each team is accompanied by a medical team. Both teams are well-equipped for rescue operations,” he said. The NDRF rescuers had been using professional corded demolition hammer concrete breakers to clean up the area by breaking, chipping and demolishing hard materials like concrete, brick, stone, and masonry.
“Two sniffer dogs have also been pressed into service at the site,” said the officer, adding that NDRF DIG Manoj Kumar Sharma was supervising the rescue operation.
According to a police official, the post-mortem of five bodies, which were found on Monday, was done. Additional Director General of police, Varanasi Zone, Piyush Mordia, said that relief and rescue operations were underway, and efforts were on to clear the debris and locate the trapped workers.
“The teams of NDRF, SDRF and the fire department are engaged in relief and rescue operations.” Meanwhile, a magisterial probe has also been ordered to ascertain the reason for such a huge tragedy.
“A magisterial probe has been ordered. Additional district magistrate (Finance/ Revenue) Vagish Singh has been instructed to conduct the inquiry and submit the report. Based on its findings, further action will be taken”, said the Sonbhadra DM.
“For those trapped, efforts are on to remove the colossal rock, which would be approximately 75 tons”, he said. The DM also said the actual number of those trapped will be clear after the rock is removed.
“At present, it is not possible to say anything concrete. The rescue operation will continue until all those trapped under the rock and rubble are rescued,” added the DM.