Worker killed, two critical after Hydraulic cylinder explodes at SECL’s Kusmunda mine

A fatal industrial accident at South Eastern Coalfields Limited’s (SECL) Kusmunda mine in Korba district on Friday left one worker dead and two others critically injured, casting a harsh spotlight once again on safety practices in large-scale mining operations.

The mishap occurred during routine work inside the open-cast mine when a hydraulic machine’s cylinder suddenly burst, triggering chaos at the site. Six workers were deployed on the machine at the time of the incident. Sanjay Kumar (23), a native of Wadrafnagar, died on the spot after suffering severe injuries. He was the sole brother among four sisters, a detail that has deepened the grief of the bereaved family.

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The two injured workers were immediately shifted to a private hospital, where their condition is reported to be critical. The sudden explosion led to panic within the mine premises, forcing a temporary halt to operations as emergency measures were put in place.

Family members of the deceased and fellow workers have levelled serious allegations against the contracting firm Neelkanth, accusing it of negligence and failure to adhere to prescribed safety norms. Labour representatives said the tragedy could have been averted had standard safety protocols and equipment inspections been strictly followed. They have demanded a thorough, impartial investigation and adequate compensation for the victim’s family.

Confirming the incident, Darri CSP Vimal Pathak said that a worker lost his life during operations at the Kusmunda mine under Neelkanth’s contract. “The matter is under investigation, and further action will be taken after examining all aspects of the incident,” he said.