A mechanical failure at the Kumardihi A underground coal mine in West Bengal has left an unspecified number of workers trapped. According to Satish Jha, the Chairman and Managing Director of Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL), the incident occurred due to a technical glitch involving the mine's pulley system.

Reports indicate that a rope slipped off the pulley drum, which is the primary component used to operate the cage mechanism for transporting personnel into and out of the mine. This failure effectively halted the transport system, leaving those currently underground unable to return to the surface using standard procedures. Emergency protocols have been initiated to address the situation, though specific details regarding the current condition of the trapped workers or the estimated timeline for their rescue remain limited at this stage. Authorities are working to restore the mechanical transport system to facilitate a safe extraction.