Wokha Police personnel inspect the rat hole mine site in Ruchayan village under Wokha district an accident on January 25 killed six workers and injured four. (Morung Photo)
Dimapur, January 31 (MExN): The coal mine accident that resulted in the death of six labourers and injuries to four others on January 25 in Ruchan village, under the Bhandari sub-division of Wokha district, was caused by the "fire and explosion of methane gas," stated by the Directorate of Geology & Mining (DGM) today.
The fire and explosion might have occurred due to a frictional spark while using a portable handheld drilling machine, it held.
The DGM reached this conclusion after inspecting the site with a team of officials from the department on January 26 to assess the cause of the accident.
As per a DGM's press release, the mine is approximately 70 km from Dimapur and 4 km from Liphi village, with coordinates E 94° 01' 8.43" and N 26° 08' 32.16" at an elevation of 252 m AMSL (above mean sea level).
Upon inspection and based on the department's records, it was revealed that the mine was an illegal mine (Rat hole mine 4ft x 4.5t1) being operated by locals in collaboration with some non-locals, it said.
Accordingly, the department emphasised its commitment to controlling illegal coal mining in the state and assured that it is "always ready to assist and support coal miners."
However, miners are urged to cooperate with the department and adhere to the guidelines of mining methods to prevent mine accidents in the future, it added.
The press release issued by the DGM Additional Director, DrKenyelo Rengma also conveyed sadness over the sudden loss of lives and extended condolences to the family members of the deceased and wished speedy recovery of the injured.
As reported by The Morung Express on January 26, the coal mine is co-owned by four persons.
The accident happened on January 25, at around 1 PM and resulted in death of six labours, all hailing from Sonapur, Assam.
The Additional SP Wokha then informed that due to severity of the incident, a suo moto case has been registered at Bhandari Police Station under appropriate sections of the law.
Two persons have been arrested while the other two co-owners from Assam are absconding, he added.
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