Dhenkanal, June 8: At least one worker was killed and four others sustained serious injuries following an explosion at a black stone quarry in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district on Sunday evening.
The incident occurred at a metal quarry near Kastipal village under Nihal Prasad police limits.
According to preliminary reports, a powerful blast triggered a landslide inside the quarry, causing a large section of rock and debris to collapse on workers engaged at the site.
Sources said around 15 labourers were working in the quarry when the explosion took place. While one worker has been confirmed dead, four others were critically injured and rushed to a private hospital in Cuttack for treatment.
Authorities fear that more workers may still be trapped under the debris.
Police teams from Nihal Prasad and Bhuban police stations have reached the spot and are supervising rescue operations.
District police officials confirmed the casualty and said efforts are underway to ascertain the exact number of people affected by the accident. Rescue work has been hampered by darkness, making it difficult for teams to clear the debris and search for any trapped workers.
An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the explosion.
Officials said the exact extent of casualties and damage will be known only after the rescue operation is completed.
