₹20 Lakh Compensation, Job Announced for Families of Workers Killed in Dhanbad Coal Slurry Tragedy

Dhanbad– Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) has announced a compensation of ₹20 lakh and a job for a dependent of each victim’s family following the death of four workers buried under coal slurry at the Moonidih Coal Washery in Dhanbad district. The decision came after a late-night meeting between BCCL officials, victims’ families, labour union representatives, and district authorities.

BCCL General Manager Arindam Mustafi said the compensation will be paid in two instalments, and one family member of each deceased will be provided employment through an outsourced agency. Additionally, ₹75,000 will be given to each family to cover last rites expenses.

The tragic incident occurred on Saturday evening when workers were loading coal slurry into trucks, and a large chunk suddenly collapsed, trapping several labourers underneath. Rescue teams later recovered the bodies of four workers identified as Manik Bauri, Dinesh Bauri, Deepak Bauri, and Hemlal Gope.

Following the incident, grieving family members and local villagers staged a protest outside the washery gate, placing the bodies at the site and demanding compensation and accountability. The protest continued until late night before an agreement was reached.

Police said the bodies have been sent for post-mortem to Patliputra Medical College and Hospital. Meanwhile, BCCL has constituted a four-member committee to investigate the cause of the accident and recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future.