Hours after rescue, 1 of 14 trapped after lift collapse at Rajasthan copper mine passes away

Reacting to the news, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said: “The news of the death of a person in an accident caused by the fall of a lift in the mine of Kolihan, Khetri in Neemkathana district is sad. I pray to God to give peace to the departed soul and courage to the family members.”

He added: “The rescue team has evacuated all the people who were stranded since yesterday. I pray to God for everyone’s safety and speedy recovery.”

The incident took place in Hindustan Copper Limited’s (HCL’s) Kolihan mine, located in the Khetri area, at around 8 pm. Ambulances have been rushed to the spot and doctors have been asked to be prepared for any emergency.

“The workers are currently at 64 feet below ground level. Soon, all of them will be rescued and brought to Jaipur for treatment. Around 15 ambulances are on standby,” a police official said on the condition of anonymity.

Khetri MLA Dharampal Gurjar, who was at the spot, told The Indian Express: “Rescue operation is ongoing and the administration is trying its level best to get the lift out. They are even trying manually to move it. We are all present on the ground, and as of now, there is no confirmation regarding casualties. We hope the people are safe.”

According to officials, the lift carrying the 14 people fell when the chain connected to it broke.

It was not immediately clear why a Vigilance team from Kolkata was at the spot.