One killed in explosion at MCL's open cast mine in Odisha

Sundergarh: At least one person was killed after a severe explosion ripped through Kulda open cast mine of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) under Hemgiri police limits of Sundergarh district today.

Initial sources said one Israel Ansari of Ranchi took his tipper truck to load coal inside the mine at around 3 PM today when a sudden explosion occurred.

While a tipper truck nearby the spot of explosion was blown away along with its driver, two other tipper trucks also suffered damages in the accident.

Tension prevailed in the area after the incident as locals and other truck drivers resorted to protest by placing the dead body of Ansari on road. They also demanded a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of the deceased.

Even as the reason of the explosion is unknown, the locals alleged lack of safety precautions inside the mine as the main cause behind the accident.

Meanwhile, the MCL authorities are yet to comment on the matter.