Odisha Quarry Blast: 2 Killed, Several Feared Trapped After Explosion at Illegal Stone Mine in Dhenkanal

At least two workers were killed and several others are feared trapped after a powerful explosion ripped through an illegal stone quarry in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district late Saturday night, triggering frantic rescue operations that continued through the night.

The blast occurred at a stone quarry near Gopalpur village under Dhenkanal town limits. Officials said the site was operating without valid permissions, raising serious questions about regulatory oversight and enforcement failures. The explosion came to light late in the night, following which local police, fire services and district officials rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area.

Visuals from the accident site showed massive stone slabs collapsing into the quarry pit, with debris scattered across a wide area. Fellow workers and local residents were initially seen attempting to pull out injured labourers before rescue teams formally took charge of the operation.

Several injured workers were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. However, authorities said the exact number of casualties and trapped workers is still unclear, as the blast occurred during late working hours and no verified attendance record was immediately available at the site.

Officials confirmed that parts of the quarry collapsed following the explosion, leading to fears that workers may have been buried under heavy rubble. The scale of the debris has significantly hampered manual rescue efforts.

Senior district officials reached the site soon after the incident and launched a preliminary investigation. The entire area was sealed, and public movement around the quarry was restricted to facilitate rescue operations and ensure safety.

Crucially, official sources revealed that the Dhenkanal district mining office had issued a closure notice to the quarry leaseholder on September 8, 2025, citing the absence of mandatory blasting permissions. Despite the directive, blasting activities allegedly continued at the site in blatant violation of mining and safety regulations.

Authorities said it remains unclear whether the quarry’s lease had already expired, though local residents have raised concerns over prolonged illegal operations in the area. Attempts to contact the district mining officer and the leaseholder for clarification were unsuccessful.

Rescue operations were intensified with the deployment of seven specialised teams, along with heavy earth-moving machinery, to clear massive stone blocks that cannot be removed manually. Dog squads were also pressed into service to help detect signs of life under the debris.

“It was observed that huge stone pieces have fallen into the quarry. Manual rescue is not possible under these conditions. Heavy machinery and specialised equipment are being used. Dog squads have also been deployed,” a fire services official said.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by illegal mining activities in Odisha, where unauthorised quarrying continues to claim lives despite repeated safety warnings and regulatory actions. Authorities said a detailed probe will be conducted once rescue operations conclude.