A tragic incident unfolded at a copper mine in Rajasthan’s Neem Ka Thana district, where a lift used for transporting personnel collapsed, trapping 15 individuals, including a senior official of Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL). The Chief Vigilance Officer, Upendra Pandey, succumbed to the situation, while the other 14 were successfully evacuated and taken to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.

Some of those injured were referred to Jaipur after treatment at KCC Hospital in Khetri.

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Zulfikar Ali confirmed the death of the HCL official Pandey on Wednesday afternoon.

The incident prompted both HCL and the police to launch thorough investigations to ascertain the cause behind the catastrophic collapse.

Hindustan Copper Ltd Deputy General Manager, Mohit Chatterjee said doctors would respond to queries on the matter.

The incident occurred at a late hour, with a vigilance team from Kolkata and mine officials on board the lift. Tragically, the lift’s supporting rope snapped, causing it to plummet over 1,800 feet inside the mine. Notable officials, including Khetri Copper Complex (KCC) unit head GD Gupta and Kolihan Mine’s Deputy General Manager AK Sharma, were among those successfully rescued.

A journalist, Vikas Pareek who had entered the mine as a photographer with the vigilance team was also trapped among the 15 people.

Shortly after receiving information about the lift collapse incident, ambulances rushed to the spot and doctors were asked to prepare for any situation.

(inputs from ANI)