4 killed, several injured in coal mine blast in Bengal's Birbhum

Four persons were killed and several others injured in a coal mine blast in West Bengal's Birbhum district on Monday, police said.

Image used for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

However, West Bengal Power Development Corporation Ltd (WBPDCL) claimed that five people lost their lives due to the blast in its mine.

The incident happened around 10.30 am in Bhadulia block, a police officer said.

"So far, we have recovered three bodies. Rescue operations are on," he said.

The explosion occurred when detonators were being transported for planned blasts at the Gangaramchak and Gangaramchak-Bhadulia coal mines, a WBPDCL official said.

A mine developer and operator (MDO) runs operations at the captive block.