Iron mine workers send JCB, Poklen to rescue devotees trapped under truck

At a time when cries for help filled the area around the Sheetla Mata temple accident and devotees trapped under a truck were struggling for their lives, workers from an iron mine near village Santau stepped in to support the rescue effort. The mine’s JCB and Poklen machines reached the accident site soon after the information was received and were used to help remove the injured people trapped beneath the truck. According to claims being made locally, operator Prince Kumar Prajapati reached the spot with a JCB within just 49 seconds of receiving the information.

The accident occurred near the Sheetla Mata temple in Gwalior. The mine operating near village Santau became a source of immediate help during the crisis. Without waiting for cameras or publicity, the mine staff moved their heavy machines towards the site after learning that devotees were trapped under the vehicle.

Satendra Singh, a resident of village Santau who works at the mine located about one kilometre from the temple, was among those who responded after hearing about the accident. When he reached the site, he saw devotees trapped beneath the truck. There was panic and shouting all around, with people trying to find a way to help those caught underneath the vehicle.

Understanding the seriousness of the situation, Singh immediately requested the police force to create a passage so that the heavy machines could reach the accident site. He also called the mine management and asked for the machines to be sent without delay.

With the help of the police, the JCB was taken to the accident site. Mine operator Prince Kumar Prajapati reached the spot and began assisting in the relief work. Eyewitnesses said the machines had to be used with extreme caution because people were trapped under the truck and its heavy sections.

Several devotees were trapped beneath the truck’s wheels and other heavy parts after the accident. Removing them was a major challenge. The JCB and Poklen brought from the mine were used to lift the truck partially. This created enough space for people trapped below to be taken out.

According to local people, the machines helped raise the truck and prepare a way to remove the injured. The injured were then taken out with the help of people present at the spot and were sent to hospital. Later, a Hydra machine also reached the site from the city. It was used in the operation to straighten the truck.

Karahiya police station in-charge Inspector Gajendra Singh Gurjar said the mine staff remained at the accident site with their machines from the night until the afternoon. The staff continued helping with the relief operation and with efforts to ensure that arrangements at the site continued smoothly.

Members of the temple committee and villagers also praised the mine workers for coming forward during the crisis. Their support became especially important because heavy machines were needed to lift the truck and create space to reach the people trapped below it.

The role of the mine employees also stood out amid a rush on social media to share videos and reels after the accident. While some people were busy recording pictures and videos at the site, the mine workers used their machines and skills to help remove the injured.

The incident also presented a different picture from the negative perceptions that are often associated with mines and the people working there. In this case, the quick assistance provided by the mine staff highlighted the importance of local resources in emergency situations.

Local residents and people associated with the temple committee have demanded that Satendra Singh, Prince Kumar Prajapati and the entire mine staff be recognised for their contribution. They said the district administration and the state government should encourage the people who came forward and assisted in the relief work during such a difficult situation.

Amid the horror of the accident, the prompt response of the mine employees showed the importance of humanity during a crisis. However, the exact speed at which the machines reached the site and the number of people who were taken out with their help will become clear only after official confirmation. That confirmation will provide a complete picture of the mine staff’s contribution to the rescue effort.