A tragic accident rocked Jharkhand’s Dhanbad district on Sunday, October 26, 2025, when a sidewall of an open-cast coal mine collapsed, killing one employee and injuring two others. The incident occurred in the mining area under Putki Police Station limits, where an oil tanker had entered to refuel earthmover machines. According to Waqar Hussain, Officer-in-Charge at Putki Police Station, the sudden cave-in caused debris to crash onto the tanker, leading to it overturning and trapping those nearby.

The deceased, identified as 25-year-old Dipak Pandey from Rajput Basti in Kendua, was an employee of a private mining firm and was standing near the tanker at the time of the collapse. The tanker’s driver, Ganesh Mahato, and cleaner, Kishore Mahato, sustained injuries and were rushed to a local nursing home for treatment. The body of the deceased was sent to Shaheed Nirmal Mahato Medical College in Dhanbad for a post-mortem examination, police confirmed.

The collapse has raised concerns about safety protocols in the region’s open-cast mining operations, known for their heavy machinery and challenging working conditions. Authorities are investigating the cause of the sidewall failure, with initial reports suggesting structural instability may have played a role. The incident underscores the risks faced by workers in Jharkhand’s coal mining industry, a vital economic driver for the state.

Also Read: Johannesburg Plane Crash Claims Life of 20-Year-Old Indian Pilot Trainee

In response, the private firm involved acted swiftly to support the victim’s family, providing Rs 5 lakh in cash for funeral expenses and issuing a Rs 10 lakh cheque as compensation. Additionally, the company offered a job to a family member of the deceased on compassionate grounds, according to the police. This gesture aims to provide financial security to the grieving family, but questions about workplace safety remain unanswered.

The tragedy has sparked local outrage, with calls for stricter regulations and oversight in mining operations. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of Dipak Pandey, while hoping for the speedy recovery of the injured workers. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers inherent in the mining industry, pushing authorities to address safety concerns to prevent future tragedies.

Also Read: #BreakingNews: CRPF Officer Succumbs to Injuries from Jharkhand IED Explosion