In Peddapalli, tragedy struck as two Singareni coal workers were buried alive and two others injured when a sidewall collapsed at the OCM-2 coal mine within Ramagundam limits on Wednesday. The deceased have been identified as Uppu Venkateshwarlu, a 52-year-old fitter, and Vidyasagar, a 45-year-old general mazdur. Reports indicate that the workers were repairing a leaking pipeline in the south section of OCM-2, where they had dug a 15-feet pit that collapsed due to rain.
Upon receiving the distress call, the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) rescue team swiftly responded, recovering the bodies of the deceased and rescuing the injured workers. The incident has sparked criticism from fellow coal workers and leaders, who accuse SCCL authorities of neglecting worker safety despite frequent mishaps in both underground and open-cast mines.
Expressing shock over the incident, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy called on SCCL to prioritize stringent safety measures for coal workers. SCCL Managing Director N Balaram has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and assured full support to the families of the deceased. He has also directed immediate steps to prevent future occurrences of such tragic incidents.