Several feared trapped after massive explosion at stone quarry in Odisha

At least two workers were killed and several others are feared trapped after a powerful explosion triggered a rockfall at a stone quarry in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district late on Saturday, officials said. Rescue operations were continuing on Sunday amid fears that more labourers may be buried under debris.

The incident occurred at a quarry near Gopalpur village under the Motanga police station area when workers were reportedly engaged in drilling and stone extraction activities. Following the blast, a large section of rocks and soil collapsed into the quarry pit, trapping workers who were inside at the time.

Rescue teams from the fire service and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, along with dog squads and heavy machinery, were rushed to the site. Seven teams were deployed as massive stone slabs made manual rescue difficult, officials said, adding that injured workers were shifted to a nearby hospital.

Senior district officials, including the collector and superintendent of police, reached the spot to supervise rescue and relief operations. The area was cordoned off and public movement restricted as authorities attempted to ascertain how many workers were present at the site during the blast.

Preliminary information indicated that the quarry was operating illegally and that a closure directive had earlier been issued over the absence of mandatory blasting approval. An investigation has been ordered into the circumstances of the explosion and the safety measures in place at the quarry.