Lift Collapse Traps Fourteen at Rajasthan Copper Mine, Eight Rescued

GG News Bureau
Jaipur, 15th May. Late last night, a tragic incident happened at the Kolihan mine in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district, where fourteen individuals, including senior vigilance officers, got trapped after a lift collapsed. As rescue efforts continue, eight individuals have been successfully rescued from the copper mine owned by Hindustan Copper Limited, while six remain trapped inside.

Thankfully, on-site doctors have indicated that all trapped individuals are safe, with nine ambulances stationed outside the mine ready to provide immediate medical assistance if needed.

The rescue operation commenced swiftly, with the first batch of officials rescued and transported to SMS Hospital in Jaipur for treatment. Among them were three officials who sustained fractures and other injuries. Following them, five more individuals were successfully evacuated from the mine.

The incident occurred while a vigilance team from Kolkata, along with mine officials, was being transported for an inspection. The lift, carrying the team, collapsed approximately 577 meters inside the mine.

An eight-member medical team was dispatched into the mine through the exit gate to provide immediate medical aid to those trapped.

Among the trapped officials are Chief Vigilance Officer Upendra Pandey, Khetri Copper Complex unit head GD Gupta, and Kolihan mine’s Deputy General Manager AK Sharma. Additionally, a journalist who accompanied the vigilance team as a photographer was also trapped.

Expressing concern over the situation, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has instructed officials to expedite rescue efforts and ensure all necessary assistance is provided to those affected.

The copper mine at Khetri, operational since 1967, has been a significant contributor to the region’s economy, emphasizing the importance of swift and efficient rescue operations to safeguard lives and maintain operational continuity.