Sonbhadra: At least one person died after abortion of a stone quarry collapsed in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh on Saturday evening. About 15 labourers are feared trapped under the rubble.
A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team that carried out rescue and relief operations at the site throughout the night confirmed the death. Operations are continuing to try and reach the other labourers.
A team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is also working at the site. Heavy machinery, along with specialised personnel, are engaged in removing the debris and clearing the area.
District Magistrate B N Singh said a wall inside the Krishna Mines quarry suddenly caved in, trapping the workers. While the exact number of people trapped is still unknown, Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjeev Kumar Gond, who visited the site in the Billi Markundi village said “around a dozen labourers” may be under the debris.
“The district magistrate, superintendent of police and other officials are at the spot, and relief operations are underway. I am also present here and every possible effort is being made,” Gond said.
He added that the circumstances under which the mine was operating will be investigated.
“Strict action will be taken against those found guilty. We stand with the families of the victims.” Gond said that ex-gratia compensation would be provided to people affected in the incident.
