Fourteen officials and members of a vigilance team from the PSU Hindustan Copper Limited found themselves trapped in a Kolihan mine located in Rajasthan’s Neem Ka Thana district after a vertical lift collapsed on Tuesday. Rescue efforts commenced on Tuesday night, with indications suggesting some of the officials may have sustained injuries in the incident, according to police statements.
Praveen Nayak, the superintendent of police for Neem Ka Thana district, informed the sources that a rescue team had reached the scene. As of now, there have been no reported casualties resulting from the collapse of the mine lift.
The vertical shaft utilized for transporting personnel gave way within the Kolihan mine district, leaving Hindustan Copper officials stranded at a depth of several hundred meters. Ongoing efforts are focused on rescuing them.
Upon learning of the incident, BJP MLA Dharmpal Gurjar promptly arrived at the site to assess the situation. The collapse occurred around 8 pm on Tuesday evening, prompting the swift arrival of ambulances and rescue teams, prepared for a potential emergency.
“I had gone to Haryana for an election campaign, but upon receiving this information, I immediately came here. I contacted everyone and evaluated the entire situation. I have summoned the SDM,” said Dharampal Gurjar to ANI.
He further stated, “The rescue team is actively involved, and 6-7 ambulances are stationed here… The entire administration is on high alert. Currently, there are no reports of casualties; undoubtedly, everyone will be brought out safely.”
“Information has been received regarding an accident caused by the breaking of the lift rope in the Kolihan mine of Hindustan Copper Limited in Khetri, Jhunjhunu,” said Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on X as the rescue effort gained momentum. The concerned authorities have been instructed to arrive to the scene as soon as possible, step up relief and rescue efforts, and give the affected people all the support and medical care they require.”
Initial reports indicate that the incident occurred during an inspection conducted by the vigilance team and senior officials of the state-owned company within the mine. As they were preparing to ascend, a rope of the shaft or ‘cage’ snapped, leaving approximately 14 individuals trapped, as per police reports. Efforts are underway to manually move the lift and extricate the trapped personnel.