A deadly underground explosion rocked the Hatti Gold Mines in Lingasugur taluk of Karnataka’s Raichur district on Sunday, killing one miner and leaving another gravely injured. The blast occurred nearly 2,800 feet beneath the surface in the Mallappa shaft of the mine, raising fears that additional workers may be trapped below.

The deceased has been identified as 40-year-old Sharanabasava, a long-time employee of the mine. His co-worker, Nirupadi, sustained critical injuries and was swiftly transported to the mine’s hospital for urgent medical care. Officials from the Hatti Gold Mines Company confirmed the incident and stated that a fully-equipped rescue unit has been deployed to the site.

Authorities suspect that a sudden air pressure surge triggered the underground detonation. Emergency personnel are continuing search operations while maintaining contact with underground teams to determine if any miners are still missing. The situation has drawn attention to the safety standards within the historic mine, one of the deepest in the country.

Senior mine officials and district authorities are monitoring the rescue efforts and have promised a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion. The mining community is in shock, with workers and families gathering outside the facility, anxiously awaiting updates.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the inherent risks in deep-earth mining operations and the urgent need for reinforced safety protocols.