2 dead, 4 critical as poclain crashes into SUV in Sundargarh coal mine

In a tragic incident, two people were killed and four others sustained critical injuries after a poclain crashed into an SUV at Garjanbahal coal mine under Hemgiri police limits in Sundargarh district on Tuesday morning.

The deceased have been identified as Jagdish Oram and Umakant Patel. While Oram used to work as a shift-in-charge, Patel was a machine operator in the mines.

According to sources, the mishap took place when the victims were returning from the mines in an SUV after their shift got over.

The poclain crashed into the vehicle leaving all of them critically injured. The injured were immediately rushed to a hospital in neighbouring Chhattisgarh. However, two died on their way to the hospital, sources informed.

The conditions of the four other victims are stated to be very critical.

Soon after the mishap, tension ran high at the mines as the workers staged a protest demanding compensation to the victims, safety and security arrangement at the workplace.

Later, MCL General Manager hold a discussion with the agitating employees following which the protest was withdrawn, sources informed.

Meanwhile, questions are being raised about the movement of SUVs in the mines which is prohibited.