Dhenkanal Stone Quarry Blast, Two Workers Killed in Stone Mine

Dhenkanal: In Dhenkanal Stone Quarry Blast two Workers Killed. A large section of rocks caved with several workers feared dead, officials said on Sunday. The incident occurred on Saturday evening and prompted an immediate multi-agency rescue response as authorities rushed to locate workers who may be trapped under the debris.

The collapse took place at a stone quarry near Gopalpur village under the Motanga police station in Dhenkanal ditrict, while workers were reportedly engaged in drilling and stone exploration activities.

Dhenkanal Stone Quarry Blast Traps Workers During Drilling Work

Officials said the exact number of workers trapped beneath the fallen rocks is still unclear. The cause of the collapse has also not yet been determined, as rescue teams continue to carefully remove debris to avoid further instability at the site.

Eyewitnesses said a sudden rumbling sound preceded the collapse, following which massive boulders crashed down at the quarry. The scale of the rockfall has raised fears of multiple casualties, though authorities have not yet confirmed any deaths.

Rescue Teams Deployed as Operations Continue Overnight

Soon after the incident, teams from the Odisha Fire Service, the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), dog squads, and heavy machinery were deployed to the site to assist in rescue operations.

A senior fire service officer said rescue efforts are ongoing and being carried out with utmost caution due to the risk of further rock movement. “The rescue operation is in progress,” the officer confirmed, adding that efforts are focused on locating survivors and clearing debris safely.

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Dhenkanal District Administration Monitors Situation Closely

Senior district officials rushed to the spot soon after receiving information about the collapse. Ashish Ishwar Patil, the District Collector, and Abhinav Sonkar, the Superintendent of Police, reached the quarry site to personally supervise the rescue operation.

Authorities said coordination between multiple agencies is being ensured to speed up the rescue while maintaining safety standards for personnel working at the site.

Investigation Likely After Rescue Phase Ends

Officials indicated that a detailed investigation into the cause of the quarry collapse will be conducted once rescue operations are completed. Safety norms, drilling practices, and geological conditions at the quarry are expected to come under scrutiny.

As rescue efforts continue, the Dhenkanal Stone Quarry Blast has once again highlighted concerns over worker safety in mining and quarrying operations across the state. Further updates are awaited as teams work against time to reach those feared trapped beneath the rocks.