Lift Collapse in Rajasthan Mine: 14 Trapped, 10 Rescued, Efforts Underway

Fourteen people, including senior vigilance officers, were trapped in the Kolihan mine located in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district after a lift collapsed late at night. Among those trapped were Chief Vigilance Officer Upendra Pandey, Khetri Copper Complex unit head GD Gupta, and Deputy General Manager AK Sharma from the Kolihan mine, alongside journalist Vikas Pareek, who was accompanying the vigilance team as a photographer.

"10 people have been rescued from the site. In the first slot, 3 people were brought out from the mine, 5 people were rescued in the second slot, and 2 more people were brought out in the third slot," informed Praveen Nayak, Superintendent of Police (SP), Neem Ka Thana.

Efforts were underway to expedite the rescue of the remaining individuals, with prompt medical attention being provided. "All the people are safe. Three of them were in serious condition and have been referred to Jaipur. Some people have suffered fractures in their hands and some in their legs," affirmed Dr. Pravin Sharma of Jhunjhunu Government Hospital.

The lift collapsed when it was carrying a vigilance team from Kolkata as well as mine officials for inspection. It crashed when it was around 577 meters inside the mine. 

Responding swiftly to the crisis, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma directed authorities to accelerate the rescue operations. "The concerned officials have been instructed to immediately reach the spot and speed up the relief and rescue operations and provide all possible help and health facilities to the affected," stated Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma.

In addition to the rescue efforts, an eight-member medical team comprising doctors and nurses was dispatched into the mine through the exit gate to administer medical assistance to those trapped.

This tragic incident at the Kolihan mine, which is part of Hindustan Copper Limited, underscores the urgency of mobilizing resources to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected.