Water Ingress Triggers Evacuation at ECL’s Siduli Colliery in West Bengal

Two workers were injured during the incident and were subsequently rescued and taken to a nearby hospital, officials said. All other workers were brought safely to the surface.

According to officials, water began entering the mine unexpectedly from an unidentified underground point. The sudden inflow caused alarm among workers, following which colliery authorities initiated an evacuation to prevent any potential danger.

Sources said the number of workers underground at the time was relatively low, which helped authorities evacuate the mine quickly and avoid a more serious incident.

The development also caused concern among residents living near the colliery. Some locals reported experiencing vibrations and hearing loud sounds in the surrounding area following the incident.

Amid fears of a possible escalation, some residents reportedly left their homes with children and elderly family members and moved to safer locations.

Officials are investigating whether the reported vibrations and noises in the residential areas are connected in any way to the sudden water ingress at the mine. No such link has been established so far, and authorities said the precise cause will be known only after the investigation is completed.

Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) officials are closely monitoring the situation and assessing the mine for any further risks associated with the water accumulation.

Authorities are also examining the source of the water ingress and the cause of the reported vibrations and loud noises in nearby residential areas.

Officials reiterated that all workers have been accounted for and are safe, while the two injured workers remain under medical treatment.