A stone mine collapsed in Uttar Pradesh’s Sonbhadra district on Saturday, causing a tragic loss of life and leading to urgent rescue operations.
A major accident struck Uttar Pradesh’s Sonbhadra district on Saturday when a stone mine suddenly caved in, leaving rescue teams racing against time. Two workers lost their lives in the collapse, while many others are still feared trapped under the heavy debris. Authorities rushed to the spot as the scale of the disaster became clear, triggering a massive rescue effort in the region.
A stone mine collapsed in Uttar Pradesh’s Sonbhadra district on Saturday, causing a tragic loss of life and leading to urgent rescue operations. Officials confirmed at least two deaths. They fear that around a dozen people may still be trapped under the rubble. Rescue teams continue their search as the situation remains tense and sensitive.
The incident occurred in the Billi Markundi mining area under the Obra police station limits. Workers were carrying out routine tasks when the mine suddenly gave way. The collapse created panic as dust and stones covered the site within seconds.
Relief teams arrived at the scene soon after the accident. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) joined the local teams. Rescue teams from two private companies and the Obra Thermal Power Project also stepped in to support the ongoing operations.
District Magistrate Badrinath Singh reached the spot to monitor the rescue activities personally. He confirmed that advanced machines and extra equipment were on the way to speed up the search and clearing of debris. He also said that authorities will start a detailed investigation into the cause of the collapse.
The exact number of people trapped under the debris is still unclear. Teams are removing the rubble carefully to avoid triggering more collapses inside the mine.
A worker named Chhotu Yadav, a resident of Karmasar, said that his two brothers — “Santosh Yadav and Indrajit Yadav” — were among those trapped under the debris. His statement highlighted the fear and emotional distress of families waiting at the site.
Another worker said that there were nine compressors operating when the collapse took place. He mentioned that “one person was deployed at each compressor.” This raised concerns about the number of workers who may have been directly in danger.
An Uttar Pradesh minister said that around a dozen people were working inside the mine when the collapse happened. He assured that authorities will investigate the cause and “strict action would be taken against those found responsible for the incident.”
Senior officials, including Obra’s Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vivek Kumar Singh, Circle Officer Harsh Pandey, Obra police station in-charge Vijay Chaurasia, and Chopan police station in-charge Kumud Shekhar Singh, were present at the site. Their presence ensured quick coordination among agencies.
The rescue operation will continue until teams confirm the status of all the trapped workers. The administration has assured complete support to the affected families. The incident once again raises concerns over mining safety in the region.
