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HYDERABAD, June 16

IN one of the worst mine disasters in recent times, about 17 colliers of the State-owned Singareni Collieries Company Ltd, were feared killed when the third seam of the Godavarikhani - LEP, was flooded on Monday afternoon.

According to a statement from the Singareni Collieries management, 17 miners, who were working in the first shift on Monday have been identified and chances of their survival looked bleak since water flooded the mine from the entry point itself.

An inquiry has been instituted by the Chief Minister, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, which is to be headed by the Deputy Director-General (Mines and Safety), Mr D.P. Seth, to analyse the causes of the mishap and rule out any negligence. The incident occurred when miners triggered a blast to remove coal. This, in turn led to water flooding the mine, it is learnt.

The incident occurred at about 1 p.m. when about 50 miners were working in other seams even as the waters gushed through to the third seam. The company authorities have ruled out the possibility of rescuing the miners even as efforts have been stepped up to pump out water from the flooded mines. The intensity is such that the pumps will take about 12 hours to drain water.

As per the compensation package, family of each miner will get Rs 37,000 under the group insurance scheme, Rs 1 lakh each under the Janata Accident scheme, Rs 25,000 each under the Workmen's Compensation Act and Rs 1.5 lakh under the family benefit scheme and provident fund. In addition, as per the arrangement, an eligible member of the family will get employment in the company.

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Flood in Singareni mine; 17 feared drowned

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