<b>Dhanbad mine tragedy</b>: 31 bodies pulled out

Rescuers today pulled out 31 bodies of miners trapped inside the Bhatdhi mine in Dhanbad district, a senior police official said.

The deaths were caused due to inhalation of carbon monoxide following an underground explosion in the mine on Wednesday night when 50 miners were inside.

"Thirty-one bodies have been pulled out, and recovery operation is on," Dhanbad Superintendent of Police Baljit Singh told PTI over phone.

Asked about the fate of the remaining seven miners after the rescue teams located 43 bodies from the mines last night, the SP said it would be known gradually as resucers were still on the job.

Coal minister Shibu Soren yesterday announced ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh and a job to a member of each of the families of the 50 miners trapped in the coal mine.