3, including child, killed after an illegal mine collapses in Jharkhand

At least three people, including a child, died and many others are feared trapped after an illegal mine in Jharkhand collapsed on Friday.

The incident occurred at 10.30 am at Bhowra colliery area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), about 21 km from Dhanbad.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Sindri, Abhishek Kuma, said the exact number of people killed and feared trapped or injured would be known after rescuers are able to locate the victims.

"This mine comes under Bhowra area. It seems that illegal mining was underway. We are investigating the matter. As of now, we do not have any confirmation regarding the number of deaths," news agency ANI quoted Binod Oraon, sub-inspector, Jorapokhar police station, as saying.

"With the help of the locals, three persons were brought out from the debris and taken to a hospital where doctors declared them dead," an eyewitness told news agency PTI.

According to NDTV, an eyewitness said authorities were slow to react when people informed them about the collapse. Illegal mining is rampant in the area and many complaints have been made, but no action was initiated, the eyewitness added.