A tragic accident occurred on Saturday in Geatra village of Surajpur district, Chhattisgarh, when an illegal clay mine collapsed, trapping three women under the debris. The women were part of a group of 15 who had gone to the mine to extract clay. Despite the swift rescue efforts by the local villagers, one woman lost her life, while two others were critically injured and rushed to the district hospital. The deceased has been identified as 22-year-old Phulkumari, who was digging clay inside the pit when the incident took place. Two other women, 36-year-old Panmeshvari and 27-year-old Dalvinder, who were working outside the pit, were also caught in the collapse but were rescued and are now under medical care. Visual evidence from the scene reveals the precarious conditions under which the women were working. The images show the unstable clay walls of the pit that gave way, causing the deadly collapse. The site, surrounded by water-filled ditches and scattered with the women’s belongings, paints a grim picture of the dangerous and unsanitary environment of illegal mining operations.

 

The aftermath of the collapse is further illustrated by another image showing local villagers gathered at the scene, visibly distressed as they discuss the incident and assist in the rescue operations. The scene underscores the lack of safety measures and the risks faced by rural communities engaging in such dangerous activities to earn a living. Local authorities have initiated an investigation into the illegal mining activities in the region, with a focus on preventing future accidents. The administration has also announced that steps will be taken to regulate clay mining and ensure that such unauthorized and hazardous operations are shut down to protect vulnerable populations. According to knowledgeable sources, this incident highlights the urgent need for stronger enforcement of mining regulations in rural areas and greater awareness among communities about the dangers of illegal mining. “The community and local administration must now work together to prevent further tragedies in the region,” the sources underlined.