Daijiworld Media Network - Odisha

Odisha, Jan 4: At least two bodies were recovered from a stone quarry near Gopalpur village under the Motanga area of Dhenkanal district following an explosion that occurred on Saturday night, officials said.

Multiple teams from the fire services and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have been deployed, with search operations intensified to trace two more persons feared trapped under the debris.

According to officials, the blast took place around 8.30 pm on Saturday when at least four workers were engaged in quarrying work at the site. The explosion triggered a massive cave-in of loose earth, burying the workers.

Rescue efforts were hampered during the night due to poor visibility and concerns over elephant movement in the area. Operations resumed with full force early Sunday morning, leading to the recovery of two bodies. The identities of the deceased are yet to be established, though officials said they are believed to be natives of Balasore and Keonjhar districts.

Senior district officials, including the collector and the superintendent of police, were present at the site to monitor the rescue operation and coordinate with various agencies. “Our immediate priority is to recover all the bodies and ensure that no one remains trapped inside,” a senior official said.

Meanwhile, locals alleged that mining operations at the quarry had been suspended in September due to lack of mandatory clearances, and that the lease period had expired in December.

Officials confirmed that a detailed probe will be initiated to ascertain whether the agency operating the quarry had valid permission to carry out blasting and quarrying activities, and whether prescribed safety norms were followed.