At least one dead, 15 feared trapped as portion of stone quarry collapses in U.P.’s Sonbhadra; rescue ops underway

Part of a quarry in Uttar Pradesh’s Sonbhadra collapsed, killing at least one person and trapping around 15 more workers under the rubble in the early hours of Sunday (November 16, 2025).

According to authorities, while rescue teams continue their work in the region, one person’s body has been found so far. A team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) from Mirzapur also reached the spot to assist in rescue operations.

Heavy machinery and specialist personnel are being used to remove debris and extend access to the collapsed area as quickly as possible.

District Magistrate BN Singh said that a wall at Krishna Colliery suddenly collapsed, trapping the workers there.

The exact number of people trapped is still unknown, but Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjeev Kumar Gond, who visited the site in Billi Markundi village in Sonbhadra district, said “about a dozen workers” could be trapped under the rubble.

“The district magistrate, police chief and other officials are at the scene and relief operations are on. I am also here and all possible efforts are being made,” Mr. Gond said.

He added that the conditions under which the mine operated will be investigated.

“Strict sanctions will be applied against those found guilty. We stand with the victim families.” Mr Gond said ex-gratia compensation would be given to those affected by the incident.

PTI With inputs from ANI