Jhunjhunu: In a harrowing incident that unfolded in the depths of the Kolihan mine, operated by Hindustan Copper Limited in Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan, a total of 14 mine workers were trapped after a catastrophic lift chain failure. The incident, which occurred late last Tuesday night, prompted an immediate and intense rescue operation.
The workers, who were descending into the mine when the lift malfunctioned, found themselves stranded approximately 1800 feet below the surface. The rescue team, comprising medical professionals and emergency response personnel, was swiftly deployed to the site. Amidst the tension, the team worked tirelessly to extract the trapped individuals using ladders in a delicate operation that spanned several hours.
Dr. Praveen Sharma from Jhunjhunu Government Hospital reported that all individuals were successfully rescued. However, three of the workers were in critical condition and sustained injuries, including fractures to limbs. As a precautionary measure, all rescued workers were transported to a hospital in Jaipur for a thorough medical examination and treatment.
The mine had been under inspection since May 13, 2024, and the accident is believed to have been caused by the sudden breakage of the lift’s chain at around 8:10 PM as the workers were returning to the surface. The majority of those trapped were employees of Hindustan Copper Limited.
This incident has raised concerns about the safety measures in place at the mine and the condition of the equipment used for transportation within the mine shafts. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the equipment failure and to implement measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The successful rescue operation has been a testament to the quick response and coordinated efforts of the rescue teams, medical staff, and the company’s crisis management protocols. The community breathes a collective sigh of relief as the workers return to the safety of their families and loved ones.
