Coal mine accident claims two lives in Telangana

Naveen S Garewal
Tribune News Service
Hyderabad, April 8

Two coalmine workers were killed in Telangana following a roof collapse in the Kakatiya Khani (KTK) coalmine in Bhupalpally Mandal of the state late Wednesday night.

The deceased were identified as T Shankeraiah and Katham Narsaiah. The bodies of the miners have since been recovered. 

KTK workers said that they had brought the issue of the possibility of a mishap before the management, but no action was taken.

General Secretary, Telangana Boggu Ghani Kharmika Sangham (TBGKS), Miriyala Raji Reddy, said, “We believe that the negligence of the officials led to the accident. The overman, who is the supervisor of the mine, had complained that the condition of the roof isn’t good and that it is dangerous for the workmen working in the mine.” 

The Kakatiya Khani are a group of underground coal mines operated by the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL).

The local politicians have asked the chief minister of the state to announce a liberal compensation for the kin of those who have died.

“The compensation should be increased to Rs 1 crore. As of now, the family of the deceased is eligible for around Rs 25 lakh. An additional Rs 20 lakh will be given as workman compensation,” Bhupalpally MLA G Venkata Ramana Reddy said. 

SCCL Bhupalpally General Manager Nireekshan Raju said the cause of the mishap is yet to be ascertained.