Uttar Pradesh Quarry Collapse: NDRF Rushes In After One Dead, Many Missing
Eyewitnesses and officials say the exact number of trapped workers is uncertain
Uttar Pradesh Quarry Collapse: NDRF Rushes In After One Dead, Many Missing
A portion of a stone quarry in Billi Markundi, Sonbhadra district (Uttar Pradesh), collapsed on Saturday afternoon, resulting in the death of one worker and fears that several others remain trapped.
District officials have dispatched NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) and SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) teams to carry out rescue operations. According to District Magistrate B. N. Singh, a wall inside the Krishna Mines quarry abruptly caved in, causing the collapse.
Eyewitnesses and officials say the exact number of trapped workers is uncertain, with reports ranging between 8 and 15 labourers. Uttar Pradesh Minister and local MLA Sanjeev Kumar Gond, who visited the site, described the incident as “very sad” and pledged that the circumstances under which the mine was operating will be investigated. He also said that strict action will be taken against those found guilty and that ex-gratia compensation would be provided.
Rescue officials have expressed concern about the scale of the debris and the size of the fallen rock, saying that large stones make the rescue especially difficult. Clear details about the depth of the collapse or how far into the quarry the trapped labourers might be are still emerging, as rescue teams proceed carefully to avoid further risk.
While operations continue, the incident raises serious questions about mining safety, labour protection, and regulatory compliance in this quarry region. The investigation promised by officials and the ongoing rescue effort will likely be closely watched, especially by the local community and labour groups.