Daijiworld Media Network - Ranchi

Ranchi, Sep 13: Three people were killed and several others are feared trapped after an illegal coal mine collapsed in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad district on Sunday morning, Vimalesh Chaubey, Regional President of the National Colliery Mazdoor Union, said.

The accident occurred at around **7 am in Keshalpur Kumharpatti**, under the **Ramkanali OP area of Katras** in Dhanbad district.

According to Chaubey, several men and women had entered the illegal mine tunnel to cut and collect coal when the upper portion of the tunnel suddenly collapsed, trapping people beneath the debris.

“Some men and women had gone into the illegal tunnel to cut and pick coal. The upper part of the tunnel suddenly collapsed, burying several people under the debris,” Chaubey said.

Following the collapse, nearby villagers rushed to the spot and began clearing the debris using **spades, pickaxes and other tools**. Chaubey confirmed that **three people had died** in the incident.

Three injured persons were also rescued from the site and subsequently admitted to a **local nursing home** for treatment.

Locals fear that several more people could still be trapped beneath the debris. Rescue efforts have consequently been intensified as teams and villagers continue searching the collapsed tunnel.

Reports indicate that **illegal coal extraction through tunnels** has been taking place in the area. Coal extracted from the unauthorised mines is reportedly transported on motorcycles and sold in nearby markets.

At the time of the incident, people had reportedly entered the tunnel to cut and collect coal in a similar manner when the structure suddenly gave way, causing the collapse.

Police reached the spot following the incident and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the mine collapse.

Authorities are also monitoring the rescue operation as efforts continue to ascertain whether more people remain trapped beneath the debris.