Overview
- Two residents, Priyanka Devi and Lalita Devi, died between Wednesday evening and Thursday as dozens reported vomiting, headaches and breathlessness, with several hospitalized.
- Officials say the precise cause of death will be determined after postmortems, though reports point to toxic emissions consistent with underground coal‑mine fires.
- Villagers blocked the Dhanbad–Ranchi highway for hours demanding relocation and action to stop the leak before authorities cleared the road following talks.
- Dhanbad’s deputy commissioner ordered a formal investigation and set up a committee, while DGMS and health teams deployed and BCCL began moving people to tents and available quarters.
- BCCL officials reported leakage points had been plugged and the district administration said the escape site was being filled, with around 1,000 residents shifted as relocation plans advance.