Shillong, Jun 2: The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) retrieved the body of a 41-year-old man from an abandoned coal mine near the old DC Office in Khliehriat after a six-day long operation yesterday.
Personnel of the 1st SDRF Battalion based in Shillong were activated by the district administration on May 27 following reports that a man accidentally fell into an abandoned coal mine the day before while attempting to fetch drinking water. The mine shaft was approximately 120 feet deep.
Upon receiving information about the incident, personnel from the 1st Battalion immediately rushed to the site to assess the situation and initiate rescue operations. However, due to fading daylight and unsafe conditions, rescue efforts could not commence on the same day.
The operation faced significant challenges, as the mine contained approximately 40 feet of water, making access to the victim extremely difficult. Family members of the victim and local residents extended their support by assisting in the installation and operation of pumping equipment to reduce the water level and facilitate the search operation.
Following six days of continuous efforts and coordination among SDRF personnel, local authorities and community members, at approximately 6:30pm yesterday four SDRF personnel, accompanied by two local volunteers, descended into the mine and conducted a meticulous search. At around 9pm the team successfully located and retrieved the body of the man from the mine. The body was subsequently handed over to the police authorities for further necessary procedures.
The SDRF extended its condolences to the bereaved family and acknowledged the valuable support provided by local residents during the operation.
