Massive Explosion at an illegal quarry in Dhenkanal, fears of several deaths
Dhenkanal: There was a massive explosion at a stone Quarry in the district of Dhenkanal in Odisha on Saturday. The explosion might have led to several deaths, though the district administration has not yet confirmed any casualties. Unconfirmed sources fear the number may be four.
The explosion occurred at a Quarry at Gopalpur in the jurisdiction of Motanga Police limit in the evening when mining activities were going on. Several workers are feared to have been trapped under the stones.
It has been known that the quarry did not have a valid blasting permission, the leaseholder had received notice for the illegal quarrying there in September last year.
As soon as the explosion report came, the district administration swung to action. Dhenkanal Collector, SP, Tehsildar, IIC Motanga had rushed to the spot. As a precautionary measure, the site has been sealed and barred from public movement. Administration has urged the public to stay away from the site.
District fire service, Odisha Disaster Relief Force, along with dog squad, are working to trace the casualties if any.
A fire officer said, two to four people have been trapped under big rocks, machinery are being used to cut through the stones to evacuate the trapped persons.”
