ANGUL:Fire fighters have been pressed into service to extinguish the fire that reportedly broke out in Dera underground coal mine. The fire was first noticed by locals in sector 5 on Friday and they alerted the authorities concerned, who evacuated workers from the underground mine. No one has been injured.
On the other hand, General Manager of Talcher area of MCL, AK Nandi said there was no outbreak of fire but it was just heating in the underground coal mine.
“As soon as our machines indicated heating in a section of the underground mine, we evacuated workers and started measures to control the heating. Restoration of mining operation will take some time,” he said. The underground mine produces 300 tonnes of high grade coal.
Meanwhile, trade union leaders alleged that the underground mine is prone to mishaps and blamed the Mines Safety Department officials for lack of vigil.