8 colliers feared dead after flooding in Jhimpir coal mine

Thatta deputy commissioner says some 40 workers were involved in mining work despite the rainy season

At least eight coal miners were feared dead after the rainwater that flooded the coal mine in Jhimpir in Thatta district on Tuesday night could not be pumped out till Wednesday evening, according to district administration.

According to a private TV channel, the rainwater accumulated 50 to 60 feet inside the mine, which is located around 8 kilometres away from the Meting railway station. The district administration had deployed six pumping machines to drain out the water, but in vain.

The Thatta deputy commissioner said that some 40 workers were involved in mining work despite the rainy season. He added that eight workers were still trapped inside while the others had come out before the incident occurred.

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No bodies were retrieved till Wednesday evening because the mine was still filled with rainwater, according to the Thatta DC. The Hyderabad divisional commissioner said that the mine was filled with around 11 feet deep water.

Rangers personnel and police had been rushed to the site for assistance in rescue works, according to the media report. The Hyderabad divisional commissioner said that the assistance of the Navy had also been sought to retrieve the bodies.