Two Killed, Several Feared Trapped After Explosion at Illegal Stone Quarry in Odisha’s Dhenkanal

Bhubaneswar | January 4, 2026 At least two workers lost their lives and several others are feared trapped after a powerful blast struck an illegal stone quarry in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district late on Saturday night, officials said on Sunday. Rescue operations continued overnight as teams worked to trace labourers who may be buried under debris following the explosion. The blast occurred at a stone quarry located near Gopalpur village in Dhenkanal town. According to local officials, the quarry was operating illegally at the time of the incident. The explosion reportedly took place late at night, and information about the incident reached authorities after a delay, prompting the district administration and police to rush to the site and secure the area. Visuals from the quarry showed widespread destruction, with large stone slabs and debris scattered across the pit. A section of the quarry appeared to have collapsed inward following the blast. Before official rescue teams arrived, co-workers and local residents were seen trying to pull out injured labourers from the rubble, using whatever means they could. Several injured workers were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. However, officials said the exact number of injured and missing workers was still being verified, as there was no clear record of how many labourers were present at the quarry when the blast occurred. The incident happening late at night has made it more difficult to confirm details. Senior district officials reached the site soon after receiving information and began a preliminary inquiry into the incident. The entire area around the quarry was cordoned off, and police restricted public movement near the affected zone to ensure safety and allow rescue work to proceed smoothly. Initial findings suggested that a portion of soil and rock inside the quarry caved in after the explosion, increasing fears that some workers may be trapped or buried under heavy rubble. Officials said confirming the presence of trapped workers was challenging due to poor visibility, the scale of the collapse, and the lack of accurate attendance records at the site. According to official sources, the Dhenkanal district mining office had issued a closure notice to the quarry leaseholder on September 8, 2025. The order reportedly cited the absence of mandatory permission for blasting activities. Despite this directive, blasting was allegedly continuing at the quarry, in clear violation of mining and safety regulations. Authorities said questions have also been raised locally about whether the quarry’s lease had already expired, though no official confirmation has been provided so far. Attempts to contact the district mining officer and the leaseholder for comments were unsuccessful. Rescue operations were intensified as the night progressed. Seven teams were deployed at the site following official orders, including personnel from the fire services, police, and district administration. Specialised rescue teams were also called in to assist with the operation. A fire department officer at the site said that the rescue work was proving difficult due to the presence of massive stone slabs that had fallen into the quarry pit. He said removing such heavy stones manually was not possible, and heavy machinery would be used to clear the debris. Dog squads were also deployed to help locate any workers who might be trapped beneath the rubble. Officials said the rescue operation was expected to continue through Sunday, with additional equipment and manpower being mobilised if required. The focus remains on locating any trapped workers and ensuring that the injured receive proper medical care. The incident has once again raised serious concerns about illegal mining and unsafe blasting practices in the region. Authorities said a detailed investigation would be carried out once rescue operations are completed, and strict action would be taken against those found responsible for violating safety norms and mining laws. As rescue teams continue their efforts, families of the workers and local residents remain anxious, hoping for more survivors to be pulled out alive from the Two Killed, Several Feared Trapped After Explosion at Illegal Stone Quarry in Odisha’s Dhenkanal Tragedy struck Odisha’s Dhenkanal district late Saturday night when a powerful blast occurred at an illegal stone quarry near Gopalpur village. At least two workers were killed in the explosion, and several others are feared trapped under heavy debris, officials said. The incident came to light late at night, after which police and district authorities rushed to the spot and sealed the area. Visuals from the site showed massive stone slabs and rubble scattered across the quarry, with parts of the pit collapsing inward. Before rescue teams arrived, co-workers and local residents tried to pull out injured labourers on their own. Several injured workers were shifted to a nearby hospital, but the exact number of casualties is still being verified. Officials said it is difficult to confirm how many workers were present at the quarry at the time of the blast, as there were no clear records and the incident happened late at night. Rescue operations continued overnight with seven teams deployed at the site. Heavy machinery and dog squads have been brought in, as removing large stones manually is not possible. Officials also revealed that the quarry had earlier received a closure notice in September 2025 for operating without proper blasting permission. A detailed investigation is expected after rescue work ends.