Odisha Illegal Stone Quarry Blast Kills Two, Several Feared Trapped in Dhenkanal
At least two workers were killed and several others are feared trapped after a powerful blast ripped through an illegal stone quarry in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district late on Saturday night. The explosion occurred near Gopalpur village, triggering panic and a large-scale rescue operation by district authorities.
Officials said the quarry was operating without valid permissions. The incident came to light late at night when local residents heard a loud explosion and alerted the administration. Soon after, police, fire services, and district officials rushed to the site and sealed off the area.
Visuals from the scene showed massive stone slabs scattered across the quarry pit. A portion of soil also collapsed following the blast. This collapse raised fears that workers may be buried under rubble. Co-workers and villagers initially attempted rescues before authorities took control.
Several injured labourers were shifted to a nearby hospital. However, officials said the exact number of injured and missing workers remains unclear. The blast occurred late at night, and attendance records at the quarry were not immediately available.
Rescue Operations Intensify Amid Uncertainty
Senior district officials reached the site soon after receiving information. They ordered an immediate rescue operation and launched a preliminary inquiry. Police restricted public movement near the quarry to ensure safety and allow rescue work.
Seven rescue teams were deployed following official orders. Fire services confirmed that heavy machinery would be used due to the size of fallen stone blocks. Dog squads also reached the site to help detect any trapped workers.
A fire officer said removing massive stones manually was impossible. Therefore, excavators and other equipment were brought in. Rescue teams are working cautiously to prevent further collapses.
Officials admitted that confirming the number of trapped workers remains difficult. The lack of clarity has added to anxiety among families of labourers. Authorities are coordinating with local hospitals and village leaders to identify victims.
Quarry Was Ordered Closed in September
According to official sources, the Dhenkanal district mining office had issued a closure directive to the quarry leaseholder on September 8, 2025. The order cited the absence of mandatory blasting approval. Despite this directive, blasting allegedly continued at the site.
This revelation has raised serious questions about enforcement and monitoring of mining regulations. Local residents have alleged that illegal quarrying continued openly despite official orders. However, the district mining officer and the leaseholder could not be reached for comment.
There is also uncertainty over the quarry’s legal status. Some local sources claim the lease may have already expired. Authorities have not yet confirmed this detail.
Officials said a detailed probe will examine why blasting continued after the closure order. The inquiry will also look into possible negligence by both the leaseholder and officials responsible for oversight.
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Safety Lapses and Illegal Mining Under Scrutiny
The blast in Dhenkanal has once again highlighted safety risks linked to illegal mining in Odisha. Such quarries often operate without proper safety protocols or regulatory clearances. Workers, many of them daily wage labourers, face high risks during blasting operations.
Experts say unauthorised blasting increases the chance of uncontrolled explosions and cave-ins. Moreover, lack of trained supervisors and emergency plans worsens outcomes during accidents.
State authorities have faced criticism in the past over illegal stone quarry operations. Several fatal accidents have been reported across districts in recent years. Each incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement and accountability.
Officials said action will follow once the rescue operation concludes. They assured that responsibility will be fixed if violations are established.
Situation Remains Fluid in Dhenkanal
As of Sunday morning, rescue operations were still underway. Authorities said efforts would intensify once daylight improved visibility. Families of workers gathered near the site, awaiting information.
The district administration urged people to avoid the area. Police maintained security to prevent crowding and interference.
Further updates are expected as rescue teams progress and inquiries advance. The incident has cast a harsh spotlight on illegal mining and worker safety in the state.