Dhanbad News: Dhanbad Residents Flee as Underground Gas Leak Sparks Flames and Toxic Smoke

Dhanbad, November 04, 2024: A sudden eruption of flames and toxic gases has created a state of alarm in Harijan Basti, a settlement in the Jogta area of Dhanbad. On Monday morning, residents were startled as the ground unexpectedly split open, releasing fumes and flames that quickly engulfed the area, intensifying temperatures and making it difficult for locals to breathe.

Residents Flee Amid Toxic Gas and Flames

The incident, reportedly caused by underground gas leaks linked to subsidence in the coal-rich region, forced many residents to flee their homes as smoke and heat filled the air. Many struggled to find refuge from the toxic gases, which made breathing increasingly challenging and caused immediate health concerns. The dense fumes and rising flames sparked panic, creating chaos as people sought safe locations away from the affected site.

“Everyone was confused and scared. We couldn’t understand what was happening, but it was clear that staying in our homes was too dangerous,” shared a local resident who witnessed the sudden rupture.

Frustration Toward BCCL Management Grows

Local anger is growing toward Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), the public sector company managing the area’s coal mines. According to residents, BCCL management had been alerted to the underground gas leak risks but had yet to address the problem at the time of reporting. Frustration mounted as the incident brought the longstanding issue of subsidence and underground gas leaks to a head, raising questions about BCCL’s safety protocols and emergency preparedness.

Community leaders and residents expressed concern that these events could reoccur without proper intervention and requested immediate action to prevent further risks. “We need BCCL to prioritize our safety and take preventive measures against such hazards,” one resident urged.

Underground Gas Leak in Coal Belt Poses Ongoing Safety Concerns

This alarming incident in Harijan Basti is not an isolated one; the Dhanbad region has a history of ground fissures and underground fires due to its extensive coal mining activities. The underground gas leak risks have affected local communities for years, often endangering lives and raising environmental and health concerns.

Safety experts emphasize the urgent need for stricter monitoring and rapid response plans to prevent these incidents. As of now, BCCL management has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the residents’ concerns.

Local authorities have advised residents to stay cautious and alert for further updates as they continue to investigate the source of the flames and assess the extent of the damage.