Seven days after the death of five persons in a mishap during illegal mining at Gopinathpur Colliery of Nirsa, two more persons were killed in another mishap that took place in Lohpitti colliery of Mahuda Police station about 30 km from Dhanbad district headqurters this morning at around 10 am.

The incident took place due to roof collapse that took place at the opening of the illegal mine tunnel due to which several persons were buried under the debris. Co workers of victims, their family members and large number of local residents who reached at the site, started clearing the debris after which four persons, including two minor girls and two adults were brought out.

While the family members of the two deceased persons, including an adult male and a minor girl fled away along with the dead bodies, two injured persons, including Jamdiha resident, Vinod Mahto alias Bablu (27) and Roshi Kumari (13) were admitted to Bokaro General Hospital for treatment.

A team of local police of Mahuda led by Nirmal Murmu, Assistant Sub Inspector of Police which reached at the site after getting information inspected the site.

“We have received information about the some accident but when we reached at the site nobody was present and we are carrying out investigation into the incident to find out details” said Murmu.

Local residents requesting anonymity said, “Several residents of adjoining villages who are engaged in raw brick manufacturing work carry out illegal mining for heating the oven used in brick manufacturing work” and added that several others also carry out coal picking for their personal use.

Mahuda Mandal a BJP leader of Jamdiha said “the incident proves the fact that despite all claims of zero tolerance by the district administration and police over illegal mining large number of people are still engaged in illegal coal mining and some organized groups are taking advantage of the unemployment of the people by involving them in illegal mining work risking their life.