2 bodies recovered, search on for more after explosion at Odisha quarry leads to cave-in

Multiple teams of fire services and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have been deployed as the search has been intensified for two more people, said officials.

As per officials, the explosion occurred at around 8.30 pm on Saturday night when at least four workers were engaged in quarrying work at the site. A large patch of loose earth caved in following the explosion.

#WATCH | Dhenkanal, Odisha: Massive explosion at stone quarry, labourers trapped. pic.twitter.com/v9snDuvaoR

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Due to poor visibility and fear of elephant movement, the search operation was intensified early in the morning following which two bodies have been recovered. Officials said the identity of the deceased is yet to be ascertained. The deceased are believed to be from Balasore and Keonjhar districts according to officials.

Senior officials of the district, including the collector and SP remained present at the explosion site to monitor the rescue operation and coordinate with different agencies.

When contacted, a senior official said the priority now is to recover the bodies and to make sure that no persons are trapped inside.
Locals alleged that mining operation in the quarry was suspended in September due to lack of clearances while the lease period also expired in December.

The official informed that a probe will be initiated to ascertain whether the agency operating the quarry had valid permission to carry out the blasting and quarrying activities and whether all safety norms were followed.