Sonbhadra Quarry Collapse Buries 15 Workers at Krishna Mines
Sonbhadra mine disaster claims one life, 14 still trapped as rescue intensifies.
The catastrophic collapse at Krishna Mines in Sonb29 Sonbhadra’s Billi Markundi village occurred on the evening of November 15, 2025, during routine drilling in the Obra region of Uttar Pradesh. A large section of the quarry’s rock face suddenly fractured and fell, burying at least 15 workers under massive debris. The incident took place shortly after dusk, disrupting operations and triggering an immediate emergency alert. The privately leased quarry was involved in stone extraction, with workers preparing blast holes when the rock gave way. Early assessments suggest instability in the overburden may have contributed, pending an official probe.
The collapse was initiated when a drilling rig bored into the vertical wall, causing a sudden crack that rapidly expanded. Within seconds, an entire slab detached with a deafening roar, sending tons of rock crashing down. Survivors reported a thick dust cloud that obscured visibility and choked the air for several minutes. Initial reports listed ten workers in the danger zone, but updated counts confirmed fifteen were trapped, including machine operators and laborers at the quarry base. Most victims are local daily-wage earners from surrounding villages.
Rescue efforts began immediately, with NDRF and SDRF teams arriving from Mirzapur under floodlights. By Sunday morning, one body had been recovered, while 14 others remained buried. The District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police are directing operations amid unstable terrain and risk of further slides. Heavy machinery is being used cautiously to clear debris and reach potential air pockets.
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Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjeev Kumar Gond visited the site and ordered a detailed investigation into safety lapses. He assured strict action against violators and pledged full government support to affected families. Local officials have suspended mining activity in the area.
As rescue missions continue, the disaster highlights ongoing risks in unregulated mining. Authorities are monitoring the site closely, with hourly updates expected.
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