Several feared trapped after stone quarry collapses in UP; govt order violation alleged

Several people are feared trapped under the debris when a portion of a stone quarry caved in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have left Mirzapur to carry out rescue operations at the site in Billi Markundi village, according to officials.

District Magistrate B.N. Singh said a wall inside the Krishna Mines quarry suddenly caved in, trapping the workers, reported news agency PTI. "Some labourers are buried after a wall collapsed inside the quarry. Rescue efforts are underway," Singh has been quoted as saying.

The exact number of people trapped is still unknown.

According to local media reports, rescue operations are underway to remove the debris and bring out those trapped under.

An investigation into the cause of the accident has been initiated. "A thorough investigation will be conducted into how the incident occurred, and action will be taken against those responsible," the DM reportedly said.

The incident happened merely 5km away from the venue of a programme attended by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. According to media reports, there were instructions to stop the mining activity in view of the chief minister's programme, but the operations continued, defying the order.

India