Several feared dead as massive explosion rocks illegal stone quarry in Odisha's Dhenkanal

A major explosion was reported at a stone quarry under Motanga police station limits in Dhenkanal district in Odisha on Saturday night, triggering concern over possible casualties and alleged illegal mining activities. 

The blast was reported from an illegal quarry near Gopalpur, though authorities said no confirmed information on deaths or injuries was available at the time of reporting. Officials said the incident came to light late on Saturday, following which the local administration and police rushed to the site and secured the area.

Administration Rushes To Spot

Upon receiving information, the Odapada Tehsildar and personnel from Motanga police station reached the quarry and initiated a preliminary investigation. The entire area was cordoned off, with police personnel deployed and entry restricted to prevent public movement near the site.

Several senior officials, including the Tehsildar, the inspector-in-charge (IIC) of Motanga police station and other senior police officials, remained present at the site through the night to assess the situation. Officials were attempting to ascertain whether any workers were injured or trapped following the explosion, but no official casualty figures were established till the time of reporting.

Blasting Permission Lapse Comes To Light

During the preliminary assessment, it emerged that the stone quarry where the explosion occurred did not have valid permission for blasting. Official sources said the Dhenkanal district mining office had issued a letter to the leaseholder on September 8, 2025, directing closure of the quarry due to the absence of blasting approval.

Despite this, information suggests that blasting activities continued at the site in violation of the rules. The district mining officer and the concerned leaseholder were not available for comment.

Concerns Over Workers And Rescue Efforts

Reports indicated that a portion of soil caved in inside the quarry following the explosion. As no injured persons or bodies were reported at nearby medical facilities in Dhenkanal or Angul, there were apprehensions that workers present at the site during the blast might still be trapped under debris.

Officials said tracing workers posed a challenge as the explosion occurred during night hours. Rescue operations are expected to commence on Sunday as part of further assessment and response measures.

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Questions were also raised locally regarding the continuation of quarry operations despite the lease having reportedly expired, though no official confirmation on this aspect could be obtained.