Dhenkanal, Jan 4: Two bodies have been recovered from the dolomite mines at Gopalpur under Motanga police station in Dhenkanal district following an explosion reported on Saturday evening.

Two fire service teams and personnel from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) were deployed at the site. Suspecting the presence of explosive materials inside the quarry, authorities launched a rescue operation with the assistance of a dog squad from Angul. JCB machines were used to clear debris and search for victims.

Dhenkanal Collector Ashish Ishwar Patil and the Superintendent of Police visited the site and are overseeing the situation. Rescue efforts were hampered overnight due to poor visibility, but operations resumed at 7 a.m. on Saturday.

Officials are investigating whether explosives were used during stone blasting.

One of the deceased has been identified as a resident of Balasore, the other is identified from Cuttack district.

The Collector further stated that mining operations at the site had been suspended in September due to the absence of blasting permission, and the mine lease expired in December.

Despite this, mining reportedly continued after the lease expiry.

Authorities have confirmed that legal action will be taken for the illegal mining activities.