Assam Mine Accident: Navy Divers Called To Rescue Miners, One Arrested: Assam CM

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on X said that navy divers have been requisitioned to aid local authorities in the rescue operation of nine laborers trapped inside a coal mine in Dima Hasao district. “The water level inside the quarry has risen significantly, reaching nearly 100 feet, making the rescue operation increasingly difficult,” Sarma said on X, and added that the divers, who are currently en route from Visakhapatnam, are expected to arrive soon to assist with the Assam coal mine accident. Sarma added: “Deep divers from the Army are also at the site and have entered the mine as part of their rescue mission.”

In another post on X, Sarma said that the police have registered an FIR under Umrangso PS Case No: 02/2025, citing Sections 3(5)/105 BNS, r/w Section 21(1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, to investigate the incident. “Prima facie, it appears to be an illegal mine. One Punish Nunisa has been arrested in connection with the case,” Sarma said.

Army teams were also called to rescue the minors alongside helicopters and engineers were called to help rescue the nine men, who have been trapped since Monday in the mine, CM said.

On January 7, nine labourers remained trapped inside a flooded coal mine in Assam's Dima Hasao district. As per the statement issued by CM Sarma, the labourers were trapped in the mine after a "sudden gush of water" flooded the site. As per reports, the incident occurred at the Assam Coal Quarry in Umrangso. While the initial reports say nine labourers are trapped, employees at the quarry have stated that around 15 to 20 people are feared to be trapped inside.

"Distressing news from Umrangshu, where labourers are trapped in a coal mine. The exact number and status are yet unknown. The DC, SP and my colleague Kaushik Rai are rushing to the site. Praying to God for everyone's safety," said Sarma on X.

As per the CM's office, the nine trapped labourers have been identified as - Ganga Bahadur Shreth, Hussain Ali, Jakir Hussain, Sarpa Barman, Mustafa Seikh, Khushi Mohan Rai, Sanjit Sarkar, Lijan Magar and Sarat Goyary.