Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Sonbhadra Quarry Collapse: Six Dead, Dozens Trapped, Probe Ordered
A big rock mine in Sonbhadra had a huge collapse on Saturday evening.
Sadly, six workers have died, and their bodies have been found.
For almost two days, rescue teams have been working hard to find more workers who might still be trapped under the heavy rocks.
The state government is investigating why this happened and has promised money to the families of those who died.
Some people also say that illegal mining might have caused the collapse and that police might be involved.
The rescue is difficult because of the huge boulders, but the teams are trying their best.
Six labourers have died following a stone quarry collapse in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh.
Rescue operations have been underway for nearly 48 hours to free potentially dozens of trapped workers.
Heavy boulders are significantly hampering rescue efforts.
The collapse occurred during drilling work at a quarry operated by Krishna Mining Works.
The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a three-tier probe into the incident and announced compensation for victims' families.
- Who
- Six deceased labourers (Indrajit, Santosh Yadav, Ravindra alias Nanak, Ramkhelavan, Kripashankar, Raju Singh) and potentially dozens of others trapped; rescue teams (NDRF, SDRF); UP Minister Sanjeev Kumar Gond; Robertsganj MP Chotelal Kharwar; UP Minister Ravindra Jaiswal; Sonbhadra District Magistrate BN Singh; ADG Varanasi Zone Piyush Mordia; SP Abhishek Verma; Owner and partners of Krishna Mining Works (Madhusudan Singh, Dilip Keshari).
- What
- A stone quarry collapsed, leading to six deaths and numerous workers possibly trapped under rubble. A probe has been ordered, and compensation announced for victims' families.
- When
- The incident occurred on Saturday evening. Rescue operations have been ongoing for nearly 48 hours, with bodies recovered on Sunday and Monday.
- Where
- Billi Markundi area, Obra, Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- The quarry wall collapsed during drilling work for blasting. Allegations of illegal mining and safety violations have been raised.
Official Accounts and Actions
Allegations and Concerns
Victim Count and Compensation
Official Accounts and Actions
Six bodies have been recovered, with the latest five recovered on the night of Sunday/Monday. Five of these have been identified: Indrajit, Santosh Yadav, Ravindra alias Nanak, Ramkhelavan, Kripashankar, and Raju Singh. The state government has announced Rs 20 lakh compensation for each deceased worker's family and support for injured labourers. A three-tier probe by police, mining department, and district administration has been ordered.
Allegations and Concerns
MP Chotelal Kharwar alleges that 12 to 15 people might be trapped and claims tribal people are being killed due to illegal mining, with one or two similar incidents occurring monthly. He also demanded Rs 50 lakh compensation and government jobs for each affected family and alleged police prevented him from meeting trapped workers' families.
Mine Operations and Responsibility
Official Accounts and Actions
The incident occurred at a quarry operated by Krishna Mining Works. The owner and partners, Madhusudan Singh and Dilip Keshari, have been booked after a complaint. The UP minister stated strict action will be taken against those found guilty of illegal mining or safety violations.
Allegations and Concerns
Robertsganj MP Chotelal Kharwar alleged the mine was run illegally by the mafia in collusion with local police. The owner and partners have not yet been arrested.
Rescue Operations
Official Accounts and Actions
Rescue operations by NDRF and SDRF have been ongoing for nearly 48 hours. Sonbhadra District Magistrate BN Singh confirmed the recovery of bodies. ADG Varanasi Zone Piyush Mordia stated clearing rubble is slow due to heavy stones.
Allegations and Concerns
MP Chotelal Kharwar expressed concern that 12 to 15 people could still be trapped, suggesting the scale of the problem due to ongoing illegal mining.
- Location
- Billi Markundi area, Obra, Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh
- Incident Type
- Stone quarry collapse during drilling/blasting work
- Date of Incident
- Saturday evening
- Rescue Operation Duration
- Nearly 48 hours
- Deceased Recovered
- 6
- Company Involved
- Krishna Mining Works
- Compensation Announced
- Approx. Rs 20 lakh per deceased family
Sources
Death toll in stone quarry collapse in UP climbs to 4
Stone quarry collapse in UP's Sonbhadra—Death toll rises to 4; MP Kharwar claims illegal mining run by mafia
Sonbhadra Mining Collapse: Death Toll Climbs to 6, District Administration Releases List of Victims
Six bodies recovered from collapsed Sonbhadra mine; owner arrested
Sonbhadra Mine Collapse: Death Toll Rises To 5 As Rescue Operation Enters 40th Hour