At least five people have died and several others are feared trapped after an illegal coal mine collapsed in the Karma project area of Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday afternoon while unauthorized mining operations were underway.

According to officials, the collapse caused a massive landslide that buried miners under layers of debris. Rescue operations were launched immediately, but challenging terrain and lack of formal infrastructure slowed down efforts. Locals and rescue personnel have managed to recover five bodies so far, while at least three more are suspected to be trapped inside.

District officials confirmed that the mining activity was being carried out without proper permits and safety protocols, raising serious concerns about illegal mining in the region. The Jharkhand government has ordered a probe into the matter, and a high-level inquiry is expected to determine lapses in regulation and enforcement.

Illegal mining remains a persistent problem in resource-rich states like Jharkhand, where economic desperation often pushes individuals into dangerous, unregulated extraction practices. This incident once again underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight and safer livelihood alternatives.