Tragic Gas Leak in Jharkhand Claims Lives and Forces Evacuations
Fatal Incident in Dhanbad
In a tragic incident in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, two women lost their lives and several others were hospitalized due to a suspected toxic gas leak from an underground fire at a Bharat Coking Coal Limited mining site. Reports indicate that the fatalities occurred on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning as the victims were being transported to medical facilities.
The deceased, Lalita Devi, aged 58, and Priyanka Devi, aged 44, were discovered unconscious in their residences, located approximately 300 to 400 meters from the leak's origin. Neighbors suspect that the gas infiltrated their homes through ground fissures, as their windows were sealed against the cold.
Additionally, seven to eight other individuals who had fainted earlier in the week are currently receiving treatment in hospitals.
The district administration has announced plans to establish a committee to investigate the incident further.
Residents of Kenduadih Rajput Basti have claimed that the toxic gas had been leaking for nearly four days prior to the fatalities.
One local resident expressed frustration, stating, “It is well-known that this area has underground fires. Gas leaks occur frequently, yet no lasting measures have been implemented.”
Officials from Bharat Coking Coal Limited, along with district representatives, visited the site on Thursday, urging families to evacuate immediately.
In response, hundreds of residents have sought refuge in temporary shelters, insisting they will not leave without written guarantees regarding compensation for the deceased, permanent relocation, and recognition of property rights.
On Thursday morning, residents protested by blocking the Dhanbad-Ranchi highway for nearly four hours, burning tires and demanding urgent relocation.
The area general manager of the coal company, G Saha, acknowledged that the site had been deemed unsafe for years, stating that a permanent resolution would only be achievable if the entire area was evacuated.
Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan reported that the situation has stabilized and that efforts are underway to seal the gas leak. He mentioned that a medical team has been deployed to assist those affected and that temporary housing arrangements are being made for displaced families.
Ranjan added that alternative accommodations in Karmatand and Belgharia are available for those willing to relocate immediately. However, protesting residents have voiced concerns that the flats in Belgharia are uninhabitable.