Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, Nov 16, 2025: The death toll from a stone mine collapse in Billi Markundi village, Sonbhadra district, rose to three on Sunday as rescue teams recovered the bodies of two more workers. Nine others are feared trapped under tons of debris, prompting an urgent and ongoing search operation by local authorities and disaster response teams.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting longstanding safety concerns in the region’s mining sector. Initially, one worker was confirmed dead on Saturday, but subsequent efforts by rescue personnel unearthed the bodies of two additional laborers. Authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of all the deceased, though families of some missing workers have identified relatives among the trapped.

District Magistrate Badrinath Singh, who visited the site on Sunday morning, confirmed that a magisterial probe had been ordered to determine the cause of the collapse. Additional District Magistrate Vagish Singh has been tasked with leading the inquiry, with instructions to submit a detailed report. “Action will be taken against those found responsible for negligence or failure to adhere to safety protocols,” the DM stated.

Preliminary reports suggest that around 12 workers were engaged at the mining site at the time of the collapse, according to Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjeev Gond. Eyewitness accounts indicate that multiple compressors were in operation, with at least one worker stationed at each. “I lost my brothers Santosh Yadav and Indrajit Yadav in this incident,” said Chhotu Yadav, a local worker. Other laborers corroborated that several compressors were running simultaneously, making the operation complex and potentially hazardous.

Rescue operations have been intense, with the state and national disaster response teams working alongside the fire department and local police. Additional Director General of Police Piyush Mordia said teams were “working round the clock to clear the debris and locate trapped individuals.” He emphasized that the number of missing workers was still being ascertained as operations continued.

Mining-related accidents have been a recurring concern in Sonbhadra, a district known for its rich mineral resources and extensive stone and coal mining operations. The region has historically faced scrutiny for lax safety measures and inadequate oversight. Government authorities have frequently pledged stricter regulation and enforcement, but incidents continue to occur, often resulting in casualties among laborers, many of whom work under informal or hazardous conditions.

The families of the missing workers have gathered near the site, anxiously awaiting news. Relief efforts, including temporary shelters and counseling, have been arranged by local administration, though the emotional toll on the community is palpable. Many residents have called for stricter safety norms and better monitoring to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Minister Gond assured that once the probe is complete, “strict action will be taken against the owners or supervisors whose negligence led to this collapse.” The focus now remains on locating the remaining nine workers, who are believed to be buried under the rubble. Authorities have deployed heavy machinery to aid the rescue, but the unstable conditions at the mine are complicating efforts.

Local authorities have urged residents to stay away from the site to avoid hindering rescue operations. The Uttar Pradesh government has also promised to provide compensation to the families of the deceased and those injured or trapped, though specifics are expected to be announced after the magisterial report is submitted.

This tragic incident has once again drawn attention to the urgent need for improved occupational safety standards and regular inspections in mining operations across the state. Sonbhadra, which contributes significantly to Uttar Pradesh’s mining output, has faced repeated calls from labor unions and civil society organizations to ensure that workers’ lives are not compromised due to negligence or regulatory lapses.

The administration has confirmed that the inquiry will examine not only the immediate cause of the collapse but also broader systemic failures, including adherence to safety protocols, the structural integrity of the mining site, and whether proper oversight mechanisms were in place. Depending on the findings, charges may be filed under relevant labor and criminal laws, ensuring accountability for those responsible.

As rescue teams continue their efforts, authorities are working to provide support and updates to the families of the missing. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the high-risk conditions faced by miners and the critical importance of stringent safety measures in industries where human lives are constantly at stake.