Dhenkanal, Odisha: A catastrophic explosion at a stone quarry in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district on Saturday evening has left several workers feared dead, with rescue operations still underway. The incident took place near Gopalpur village under the Motanga police station jurisdiction, while workers were reportedly engaged in drilling and stone extraction activities. Following the explosion, a large section of rocks collapsed, burying an unknown number of labourers under the debris.

Authorities confirmed that the exact number of workers trapped remains uncertain, as the rubble has made access extremely difficult. Local emergency teams, including personnel from the Odisha Fire Service and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), were immediately deployed to the site. Heavy machinery, along with a specialized dog squad, has been pressed into service to aid in the search and recovery operations.

Dhenkanal Collector Ashish Ishwar Patil and Superintendent of Police Abhinav Sonkar arrived at the scene to oversee the rescue efforts and coordinate with emergency teams. Officials have emphasized that the situation remains critical due to the instability of the rocks, making the ongoing rescue operation both dangerous and challenging.

Reports indicate that quarry workers were performing routine drilling and stone extraction when the explosion triggered a massive rockfall, collapsing a significant portion of the quarry. Local residents first alerted authorities after hearing the explosion and noticing the ensuing chaos at the site. Emergency services responded promptly, but officials noted that the extent of destruction has made it difficult to ascertain the exact number of casualties.

The tragic incident has drawn immediate attention from state leadership. Naveen Patnaik, Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister of Odisha, expressed his grief on X, stating, “I am deeply saddened to learn that workers lost their lives due to a rockfall following an explosion in a stone quarry in Dhenkanal. At this sorrowful time, I convey my deepest condolences to the family members, along with prayers for the eternal peace of the departed souls.”

Patnaik also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion. “Let appropriate investigations be conducted into the circumstances under which this incident occurred and the state of the workers’ safety measures, and let the government direct its attention toward immediately expediting rescue operations,” he added.

Preliminary inquiries suggest that safety protocols at the quarry will come under scrutiny, as authorities assess whether adequate precautions were in place to prevent such a disaster. The use of explosives in stone quarry operations, combined with drilling activities, inherently carries high risks, and adherence to safety standards is critical to prevent fatalities.

Local rescue officials reported that efforts have been complicated by the unstable terrain. The ODRAF, which specializes in rapid response to disasters and accidents in hazardous conditions, has deployed cranes, hydraulic cutters, and other heavy machinery to clear the debris. Rescue teams are working in shifts to ensure round-the-clock operations, while medical teams have been stationed nearby to provide immediate care to any survivors who are extracted.

The stone quarry sector in Odisha, a key hub for construction materials in the region, has witnessed several safety-related incidents over the years. The state government has faced repeated calls from labour rights activists to enforce stricter safety regulations and to provide better oversight of blasting and excavation operations, especially in areas with a high density of workers.

As the rescue operation continues, there is growing concern for the welfare of the families of the missing workers. Authorities have urged local residents and relatives to remain calm while the situation is brought under control. Counseling services and support mechanisms have been mobilized to assist those affected by the tragedy.

This incident adds to a string of workplace accidents in India that highlight the urgent need for stronger safety regulations and compliance enforcement in high-risk industries such as mining and quarrying. Experts note that lapses in safety procedures, insufficient protective gear, and lack of proper training for workers often contribute to the severity of such accidents.

The Odisha government has promised a comprehensive investigation into the incident to determine accountability and assess whether existing safety norms were followed. Meanwhile, the priority remains locating survivors and providing medical care for those injured in the blast. Officials have warned that the operation may take several days, given the scale of the rockfall and the unstable nature of the quarry terrain.

As news of the explosion spreads, the state administration and rescue teams are under immense pressure to ensure the timely extraction of trapped workers. Community members, local authorities, and civil society groups have also joined hands to provide assistance, including arranging temporary shelters, food, and medical aid for families affected by the disaster.

The incident has also sparked a debate on industrial safety measures in quarries across the state. Labour unions and activists have urged stricter enforcement of safety standards and the adoption of modern technology to monitor blasting and extraction processes. They argue that proactive measures, such as risk assessment, real-time monitoring of geological conditions, and proper training of workers, could prevent such tragedies in the future.

As Odisha reels from this tragedy, the focus remains on rescue and recovery operations, ensuring the safety of rescue personnel, and providing support to families of the victims. The state administration has pledged to expedite relief measures and promised a detailed inquiry to prevent a recurrence.