Several workers are feared dead after a massive rock collapse at a stone quarry in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district, officials said on Sunday. Rescue operations are underway, though the exact number of people trapped beneath the debris is yet to be confirmed.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening at a quarry near Gopalpur village under Motanga police station limits, when workers were reportedly engaged in drilling and stone exploration. According to officials, a large section of rock suddenly caved in during the operation, trapping workers at the site.
Rescue operations underway
Teams from the local fire service, the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), a dog squad, and heavy earth-moving machinery have been deployed to carry out rescue efforts.
“The rescue operation is in progress,” a fire service official said, adding that debris removal is being carried out cautiously due to the risk of further collapse.
Senior officials at site
Dhenkanal Collector Ashish Ishwar Patil and Superintendent of Police Abhinav Sonkar have reached the quarry site to supervise rescue operations and coordinate with emergency teams.
Officials said the cause of the collapse is yet to be determined, and details regarding safety protocols at the quarry are being examined.
Naveen Patnaik expresses grief
Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a post on X, he said he was saddened to learn that workers had lost their lives following a rockfall at the quarry.
“At this sorrowful time, I convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the eternal peace of the departed souls,” he said, while urging the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and the safety measures in place.
Investigation likely
Authorities said a detailed inquiry will be conducted once rescue operations conclude to determine the circumstances that led to the collapse and whether there were lapses in safety compliance.
The incident has once again drawn attention to worker safety in mining and quarrying operations, particularly in regions where such activities are common.