Coal mine blast in Bengal's Birbhum kills 6, injures several; police launch probe

At least six people were killed and several others injured in a coal mine blast in West Bengal's Birbhum district on Monday, according to police. The state government announced a compensation of Rs 30 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for the injured.

"Six bodies have been recovered. One severely injured, his condition is serious and 2 are out of danger. Rs 30 lakhs as compensation has been announced for the deceased's family and Rs 2 lakhs to the injured. One member of the family of the deceased will get a job," said West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Pant.

Earlier, the West Bengal Power Development Corporation Ltd (WBPDCL) had confirmed that five fatalities resulted from the explosion at their mine, which occurred around 10:30 am in the Bhadulia block.


The blast happened while detonators were being transported for scheduled detonations at the Gangaramchak and Gangaramchak-Bhadulia coal mines, a WBPDCL official told PTI.

The incident took place in the coal block's dump yard. WBPDCL Chairman and Managing Director P.B. Salim informed PTI that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the explosion. The deceased were workers from the agency responsible for mine operations, and support is being provided to affected workers.

Operations at the captive block are managed by a mine developer and operator (MDO). WBPDCL, a government-owned company, operates five power plants with a total installed capacity of 4,265 MW, and is expected to add another 660 MW thermal capacity in the current fiscal year.