Assam: One dead body has been recovered from the collapsed coal mine at 3 Kilo, Umrangso, where nine miners were trapped on January 6. One body has been recovered by the divers of NDRF, stated an NDRF official. As per reports, three miners have been feared dead. However, official confirmation is awaited. The joint rescue operation led by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other agencies resumed early morning to rescue nine miners trapped in a coal mine in the 3 Kilo area of Umrangso, Dima Hasao.

‘We’ll Reach Them Soon,’ Says NDRF

The operation had been temporarily halted the previous evening but resumed with full force on Wednesday. According to NDRF Deputy Commandant, N. Tiwari, the efforts are continuing round-the-clock with an expanded team.

“The operation was closed yesterday evening, and we have resumed the operation again this morning. We expect and hope to reach our miners as soon as possible and rescue them,” he said.

Tiwari added that the combined forces of the NDRF and the Army are working on the ground, with support expected from the Navy in the coming hours. “Everyone from our commandant, our team, the army are here. Later, the officials from the Navy will also join the rescue operation,” he said.

#WATCH | Commandant of 1st Battalion – NDRF, HPS Kandari says, "…Many attempts were made yesterday but we didn't succeed… A joint team dived today (in the mine) and we have recovered one body. Diving in other places is another thing but in these situations, we need experts as… https://t.co/dwlbPYzNaz pic.twitter.com/lAforXF5Gx

— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2025

Assam CM Expresses Condolences

Assam Chief Minister has expressed condolences to the grieving family. He said, “21 Para divers have just recovered a lifeless body from the bottom of the well. Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family.”

Meanwhile, he also updated about the rescue operation. He wrote on X, “The rescue operation is in full swing with Army and NDRF divers having already entered the well. Navy personnel are on-site, making final preparations to dive in after them. Meanwhile, SDRF de-watering pumps have departed from Umrangshu for the location. Additionally, the ONGC de-watering pump has been loaded onto an MI-17 helicopter at Kumbhigram, awaiting weather clearance for deployment.”

21 Para divers have just recovered a lifeless body from the bottom of the well. Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family. https://t.co/y9bUP6tn4H

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 8, 2025

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