Four workers were killed after a coal dust pile collapsed at the Munidih Coal Washery in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, on Saturday evening. The victims were contract workers engaged by a private company. The incident has raised serious questions about workplace safety and delayed rescue operations.
The deceased have been identified as Manik Bauri (45), Dinesh Bauri (45), Dipak Bauri (40), and Bhimlal Gop (50). Three of them were Bengali speakers. According to initial reports, they were loading coal dust onto trucks when a nearly 40-foot-high pile suddenly collapsed, burying them under it.
Delay in rescue, protests erupt
Rescue teams reportedly reached the spot nearly two hours after the incident. The workers were later taken to a local hospital, where doctors declared them dead. The delay triggered anger among local residents and fellow workers.
Protests broke out at the washery site on Saturday night. Demonstrators, including worker union leaders, staged a protest with the bodies, demanding accountability. Following this, Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) and the private contractor assured compensation and employment for one family member of each deceased worker.
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The post-mortem examinations were conducted on Sunday. The private company also provided ₹75,000 to each family for funeral expenses.
Safety lapses alleged, probe ordered
Eyewitnesses and worker representatives alleged serious safety lapses. A worker present at the site said, "None of the workers were wearing helmets at the time of the incident." Local union leader Shankar Borai questioned the role of officials responsible for safety compliance, alleging failure to enforce protective measures and a delay in informing authorities for timely rescue.
Coal India Chairman B. Sairam has sought a detailed report from BCCL. BCCL Chairman Manoj Agarwal said an investigation has been ordered and action will be taken against those found negligent.
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According to BCCL sources, compensation of ₹20 lakh will be given to each victim’s family, to be shared between BCCL and the private contractor. The company has also said it will support the education of the victims' children.
Family members expressed deep distress. Dipak Bauri's wife said, "We already lost our son due to lack of money for treatment. Now my husband is gone. I do not know how we will survive."
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over worker safety in industrial operations.
