Hyderabad, Oct 17: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has ordered an inquiry into the mine collapse at Singareni Collieries Coal Limited (SCCL) in Karimnagar, which is believed to have claimed the lives of 11 miners. The Chief Minister has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs six lakh each to the bereaved families.
Nightshift workers on duty in mine No.9 of the Singareni Colleries coal limited at Godavarikhani were trapped when the mine suddenly collapsed at 1.30 am, official sources said here. Rescue works are in full swing for workers trapped under the debris.
"We will conduct an inquiry into the accident and also ensure that safety measures are strictly followed at SCCL," Naidu said. Announcing the ex-gratia, he said the amount would be jointly disbursed by the state government and SCCL and children of the victims would be provided free education and housing facilities.
This is the second major mishap in less than four months at Godavarikhani of SCCL.
Seventeen coal miners were killed when water gushed in from an underground mine and the walls collapsed in June. Bureau Report