Birbum: At least six labourers lost their lives and three others sustained grievous injuries after a portion of a stone quarry collapsed in Bahadurpur village of Birbhum district on Saturday, officials said.

The incident occurred in the afternoon when a group of workers was engaged in mining activities at the crusher bed. According to police, around 12 labourers were present at the site when large chunks of rock suddenly gave way, trapping several of them beneath the debris.

The injured workers were rushed to Rampurhat Medical College and Hospital in critical condition. Two of them, whose health deteriorated further, were later shifted to Burdwan Medical College, officials confirmed.

Personnel from Nalhati police station, along with senior district authorities, reached the site immediately and launched rescue operations. Six bodies have so far been recovered.

While the exact cause of the collapse is not yet known, locals alleged that illegal quarrying is rampant in the region, with little to no safety measures for workers. They further claimed that incessant rains over the past month had waterlogged several mines, softening the soil and increasing the risk of landslides.

A senior police officer said, “As of now, it is too early to comment on the cause of the collapse. Our officers are on the spot, and an investigation is underway to ascertain whether the crusher bed was operating illegally.”

Authorities have not confirmed whether the quarry had a valid license to operate.

With inputs from PTI