All 12 miners rescued unharmed after nightlong operation in West Bengal’s Pandaveswar

The incident unfolded late Monday evening when 12 miners became trapped in a mine shaft at a depth of nearly 200 feet in the Kumardihi area of Pandaveswar. Initial attempts by local mine authorities to free the workers failed, sparking widespread concern and tension across the area.

Realizing the severity of the situation, a comprehensive multi-agency operation was launched, bringing together a mining expert, the police, the West Bengal Disaster Management Department, and Eastern Coalfields Limited authorities.

Throughout the night, rescue teams maintained constant communication with the trapped miners using walkie-talkies to monitor their health and keep their morale high. To ensure they remained stable during the ordeal, emergency supplies of water and dry food were carefully lowered into the shaft.

Officials highlighted that balancing communication with the technical precision required for the rescue was key to ensuring zero casualties.

Senior administrative and police officials, including Durgapur Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ankita Agarwal and Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissioner Dr. Pranab Kumar, remained at the site to direct operations. Local Pandaveswar MLA Jitendra Tiwari was also present to assist the teams and later confirmed that all 12 rescued workers were in stable condition.

The high-stakes mission concluded at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday when the final miner was safely brought back to the surface. The swift, coordinated efforts of the emergency teams averted a potential tragedy, allowing the workers to reunite safely with their relieved families.