Odisha: At least two people were killed and several others are feared dead after a massive explosion rocked a stone quarry near Gopalpur village under Motanga police station limits, triggering panic in the area on Saturday evening.
The blast occurred while work was underway at the quarry, trapping multiple labourers beneath soil and stones. Officials said the quarry is around 40 feet deep, raising fears that more bodies may still be buried under the debris. The deceased and injured are reportedly migrant labourers from outside the state.
Preliminary reports indicate that illegal blasting may have been carried out at the site. Rescue operations have been underway since morning, with teams from Motanga police, the Odapada tehsildar’s office and senior administrative officials present at the spot.
The exact number of workers trapped and the precise cause of the explosion are yet to be determined. Fire service personnel, along with Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, dog squads and heavy machinery, have been deployed to intensify rescue efforts, a fire service officer said. (Agencies)
